GTA 6 Release Date Uncertain: May 2026 Launch No Longer Guaranteed

GTA 6 Release Date May Slip Again as Industry Faces More Uncertainty

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated open-world blockbuster, was recently postponed from Fall 2025 to May 26, 2026. However, a new report suggests that even this revised launch date may be in jeopardy, casting fresh doubt across the gaming industry.

According to Bloomberg, Rockstar’s shifting timelines have caused disruption for game publishers, with some—like Electronic Arts (EA)—breathing a temporary sigh of relief. EA had reportedly timed the next Battlefield entry to avoid direct competition with GTA 6. Now, with Rockstar targeting May 2026, EA CEO Andrew Wilson commented that the release window looks “clearer than before.”

Still, uncertainty looms. Rockstar’s development cycle, which began post-Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018, has been challenged by pandemic disruptions and a major leak. If the current schedule holds, GTA 6 will have been in development for eight years by launch. Some Rockstar insiders reportedly viewed the original 2025 target as unrealistic from the start, citing the company’s evolving culture and commitment to reducing employee “crunch.”

Adding to the intrigue, developer sources told Bloomberg that several studios had already delayed their games from late 2025 to spring 2026. One anonymous developer now faces a costly decision: delay again—or risk launching alongside GTA 6 and being overshadowed. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier noted, “There’s no guarantee that May 2026 is a sure thing,” underlining how precarious the timeline remains.

Despite fan disappointment, enthusiasm hasn’t waned. Rockstar’s second trailer for GTA 6, featuring the visually stunning Leonida setting, garnered over 19 million views and 3 million likes within hours. Leaked gameplay footage showcasing upgraded vehicle physics and damage has further fueled excitement. Developers have even described it as “a AAA game from the future.”

The Broader Impact of a Potential Delay

If GTA 6 is pushed beyond May 2026, the consequences for the industry could be significant. Many publishers, having already adjusted their release schedules, may incur additional development costs. Smaller studios, in particular, could struggle with repeated delays, while giants like EA may gain a longer window to dominate.

On the financial front, Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, may face investor unease over mounting development costs without revenue. A prolonged timeline could also edge GTA 6 closer to the next console generation, potentially affecting hardware compatibility and market penetration.

As the gaming world awaits Take-Two’s next earnings call on May 15, fans and investors alike hope for clarity on whether the May 2026 release is truly feasible—or just another moving target.