Another Delay for the Most Anticipated Game
Rockstar Games has pushed back the release of Grand Theft Auto VI once again.
The studio confirmed the new launch date as November 19, 2026, pushing the release a full year beyond its initial target.
When Rockstar unveiled GTA VI in 2023, it planned to launch by late 2025. After a first delay earlier this year, the date was moved to May 2026. Now, this second postponement marks one of the longest development cycles in Rockstar’s history.
The reason behind the GTA VI delay.
Rockstar explained that it needs more time to “polish the experience” and deliver the quality fans expect.
The announcement immediately rattled the market—Take-Two Interactive’s stock plunged 14 percent in after-hours trading before recovering slightly to close at a 6 percent loss.
Analysts believe the studio’s perfectionism could pay off in the long run, but they also warn that repeated delays are testing players’ patience.
PC Players Still Waiting.
Rockstar hasn’t confirmed a PC version yet.
Based on previous releases, PC players usually wait much longer—GTA V arrived on PC two years after its console debut, while Red Dead Redemption II followed after 13 months.
If Rockstar follows the same pattern, the PC edition of GTA VI might not launch until late 2027 or 2028.
Layoffs and Controversy Behind the Scenes
The latest delay coincides with internal unrest. Rockstar recently dismissed 30 to 40 employees, prompting accusations of union-busting.
The company insists it fired staff for leaking confidential information. However, the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) claims that all affected employees were union members or helped organize union activities.
Expectations and Sales Forecast
Despite the controversy, analysts expect GTA VI to shatter records.
Projections are that the game could generate as much as $8 billion within its first two months—potentially making it the biggest entertainment launch ever.
Its predecessor, GTA V, sold over 220 million copies, cementing its status as the best-selling game of the last decade, and it’s second only to Minecraft overall.
Hype, Pricing, and Fan Expectations
Rumors suggest Rockstar might raise the standard edition price to $100, although most insiders believe it will stay around $70.
Fans remain hopeful that the delay will turn the gaming experience into a smoother, more immersive one.
If Rockstar’s track record holds, GTA VI will dominate the gaming landscape once it finally arrives.
Patience may once again pay off—after all, few studios know how to build anticipation quite like Rockstar Games.