BOSTON – Fans of the hugely popular video game series Grand Theft Auto will have to wait a little longer to play the latest version.
Rockstar Games announced on Friday that the release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been postponed until May 26, 2026. This decision comes after much anticipation surrounding the launch of the game, which has been a topic of discussion for several years. The company expressed regret for the delay but did not delve into the specific reasons for shifting the release date from the initially planned fall debut.
In a released statement, Rockstar Games stated, “Throughout our history of game releases, our aim has always been to surpass your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no different. We ask for your understanding as we take this additional time to ensure that the game meets the high standards of quality that you anticipate and deserve.”
Shares of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, fell Friday by nearly 7%.
Strauss Zelnick, the chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive Software, voiced his support for Rockstar Games’ decision, emphasizing the importance of giving the development team the necessary time to fully realize their creative vision. Zelnick reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled entertainment experience that will exceed the expectations of gamers worldwide.
“While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” Zelnick said in a statement. “As we continue to release our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders.”
Fans of the game reacted to the delay with disappointment but also a shrug — since it has been suggested the game would be released in 2024 and then this year.
On a Reddit discussion forum dedicated to the game, several fans noted they had seen this before and wouldn’t be surprised if the release was delayed again. Others took a more optimistic tone, saying an exact release date means it will actually happen this time around.
One of the last times the game garnered this much buzz was in 2023, when a trailer for the game was leaked online. At the time, Rockstar released the first look of the sixth game 15 hours earlier than planned, citing the leak.
That 90-second trailer gave fans a taste of what comes next for the game. The trailer suggested the next installment would be set in the Miami-inspired Vice City and star a female protagonist, a first for the franchise, named Lucia.
It is unclear whether the delay means any, or all, of these details will remain part of Grand Theft Auto VI.
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