GTA 6 release date: Why is Grand Theft Auto VI delayed again? Fan fury at Rockstar as Take Two shares fall

It is one of the most anticipated games in years, but developers have again infuriated fans, pushing the release date of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), back to the end of 2026.

GTA 6, the latest in the GTA franchise, developed by Rockstar Games, was due to be released in the US fall of 2025.

The last instalment of the game that has spanned generations was Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5), which was released way back in 2013.

In the first three days of release, GTA 5 earned Rockstar Games $US1 billion. Since then, it has brought in over $10 billion in revenue and is the second-best selling video game of all time.

With this in mind, GTA 6 is kind of a big deal. Not just for lovers of the game, but also, for developers.

Why is GTA 6 delayed?

First, GTA 6 was pushed to May 2026, but on Thursday, Rockstar Games admitted it needed even more time, pushing the iconic franchise instalment back to November 19, 2026.

“Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on Thursday, November 19, 2026,” the group said in a statement.

“We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realise has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.

“We want to thank you again for your patience and support. While the wait is a little longer, we are incredibly excited for players to experience the sprawling state of Leonida and a return to modern day Vice City.”

GTA games are generally quite violent, and are rated accordingly. Violence and themes aside, players feel they are well overdue a new version of the game.

Internet roasts GTA 6 delay

Online, people were quick to vent frustration, often in the form of a meme, at the latest delay in the, for now, never-ending saga of GTA 6.

GTA 6 delays hit parent company share price

Take-Two, the video game publisher that owns Rockstar Games, saw its share price drop by 7 per cent on Thursday after the latest delay was announced.

“We remain both excited and confident they will deliver an unrivalled blockbuster entertainment experience,” Take-Two chief executive Strauss Zelnick said in a release.