Noah Romsdal Hallundbæk Sørensen
As 2026 draws closer, concerns about a GTA 6 delay are surfacing again. Fans are watching Rockstar closely.
Just as attention was turning toward new year’s eve, another debate around Grand Theft Auto VI has reignited.
The long wait for Rockstar Games’ next flagship title continues to stir speculation and anxiety among fans.
After years of anticipation and shifting timelines, questions are once again being asked about whether the game’s current release date will actually hold.
A long timeline
The road to GTA 6 has already been marked by multiple changes. Rockstar officially unveiled the project in December 2023, initially pointing to a launch sometime in 2025.
That window later moved to May 2026, before the studio confirmed a further delay to November 19, 2026.
Each adjustment has added to the sense of uncertainty surrounding the release.
As 2026 draws closer, concerns have grown alongside reports of internal strain at Rockstar, including allegations of difficult working conditions and disputes around labor practices.
Rockstar’s explanation
Rockstar Games addressed the most recent delay in a statement issued last month, saying additional time was needed to meet expectations.
“We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize 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.”
The studio framed the delay as a quality decision, emphasizing its reputation for delivering highly refined releases.
A former dev speaks
According to Esports Insider, former Rockstar Games animator Mike York believes the November 2026 date is unlikely to move again.
York, who worked on GTA 5, said the company risks damaging momentum if it pushes the launch further.
“If I know Rockstar Games, and I know the guys over there, one of the reasons for the delay in releasing GTA 6 is because they’re trying to make it look as best as it can possibly be… There’s a point where you delay something so much that you start to make people angry.”
York suggested that another postponement could erode excitement, even for a franchise as dominant as Grand Theft Auto.
Why another delay seems unlikely
Despite fears among fans, industry chatter pointing to a 2027 delay has been dismissed by insiders as unfounded.
Observers note that, while online speculation and fake trailers continue to circulate, there is little credible evidence of another setback.
For now, the prevailing expectation is that Rockstar will stick to November 19, 2026.
Whether the game meets every expectation remains to be seen, but the industry appears to be counting on this date finally being the finish line.
Sources: Screenrant, Rockstar Studio, Youtube/RockstarGames
