Rockstar Games has once again pushed back its highly-anticipated release date for Grand Theft Auto VI, now expected to hit shelves at the end of 2026. The delay marks nearly two years since the game's initial announcement and more than a decade since the last installment in the series, Grand Theft Auto V.
The news comes as a disappointment to fans who have been eagerly awaiting an update on the game's development status. Rockstar has cited the need for additional time to ensure that the game meets its typically high standards of polish and quality. While this explanation is likely to be met with skepticism by some, the company's statement acknowledges the prolonged wait that players have endured.
The game itself promises to deliver a sun-bleached, Vice City-inspired take on Miami, set against the backdrop of Rockstar's fictional state of Leonida. Players will control Jason and Lucia, a romantically entwined pair of criminals navigating the complexities of their crime-ridden world.
Despite its long development period, Grand Theft Auto VI has been touted as a potential game-changer for the industry, which has seen a contraction in recent years following a Covid-19 era boom. The predecessor Grand Theft Auto V has generated billions of dollars in revenue since its 2013 release, with Rockstar's last title, Red Dead Redemption 2, achieving record-breaking sales.
However, players have had an incredibly long time to look forward to the game, even by industry standards where six-year development periods for major titles are not uncommon. The over 12-year wait for Grand Theft Auto VI has been a subject of much discussion and speculation among fans and industry observers alike.
The news comes as a disappointment to fans who have been eagerly awaiting an update on the game's development status. Rockstar has cited the need for additional time to ensure that the game meets its typically high standards of polish and quality. While this explanation is likely to be met with skepticism by some, the company's statement acknowledges the prolonged wait that players have endured.
The game itself promises to deliver a sun-bleached, Vice City-inspired take on Miami, set against the backdrop of Rockstar's fictional state of Leonida. Players will control Jason and Lucia, a romantically entwined pair of criminals navigating the complexities of their crime-ridden world.
Despite its long development period, Grand Theft Auto VI has been touted as a potential game-changer for the industry, which has seen a contraction in recent years following a Covid-19 era boom. The predecessor Grand Theft Auto V has generated billions of dollars in revenue since its 2013 release, with Rockstar's last title, Red Dead Redemption 2, achieving record-breaking sales.
However, players have had an incredibly long time to look forward to the game, even by industry standards where six-year development periods for major titles are not uncommon. The over 12-year wait for Grand Theft Auto VI has been a subject of much discussion and speculation among fans and industry observers alike.
I'm soooo frustrated with this new delay! 
I've been waiting for GTA VI since like, forever 
! Two years already? That's just too long 
. I get that Rockstar wants to make sure the game is perfect, but can't they just give us a rough estimate of when we'll finally get our hands on it? 
It's just not fair to the fans who are eagerly waiting for their fix of gaming goodness 
.
That sounds amazing! And with Rockstar's track record on creating these massive open-world games, I have no doubt it'll be worth the wait 
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I mean, I get it, Rockstar wants to make sure the game is fire 
. Two years since the announcement isn't that long, you know? And Grand Theft Auto V was only released in 2013! Can we talk about a decade of anticipation here?! 
. I mean, we're still waiting for GTA VI after over 12 years! It's not that I'm complaining or anything, but it's like we've forgotten what it feels like to have a major new game on our minds 
.
. We've had all these rumors and leaks and fan art and theories galore 
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. Fingers crossed that GTA VI will deliver on all fronts 
!
i get that rockstar wnt to make somethin special but cant they jus rush it out a lil bit more? 
. A 2-year delay is a big deal, especially after hearing it's been years since GTA V came out... I'm just curious when we can expect to see it now? Is it still gonna be worth the wait? The Vice City vibe sounds kinda cool 
. I'm worried they'll never come out with it at all. What if it's just a myth perpetuated by Rockstar to keep us in suspense? 
this is crazy! I've been waiting for GTA VI since like, forever 
but 2 more years? come on Rockstar can't they just make a timeline already 
?
but come on 2026 already 
all these years I've been thinking we're gonna die or the world'll just change without GTA VI 
and now it's like "oh we need more time" 
what do you think Rockstar needs more time for? A bigger budget? More coffee breaks? 
️
... still gonna keep an eye on it tho 
, like they're gonna be a thing in Miami for GTA VI. I was imagining Jason and Lucia cruising down Ocean Drive in some sick custom ride, but then it turned into a Ferrari racing scene from that movie with Michael Fassbender... anyway, yeah, can't wait to see what Rockstar comes up with now! By the way, have you tried those new VR headsets? 
It's been ages since we heard any updates on GTA VI! A two-year push back is still kinda harsh, feel like Rockstar just likes to keep us waiting 
. i mean, 12 years is crazy long, even if grand Theft Auto V was a huge hit & Red Dead Redemption 2 broke sales records. fans are gonna be waiting forever now 
It's like, I get that Rockstar wants to make sure the game is perfect and all, but 12 years is already ages! 
.