• The release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been postponed to May 26, 2026.
• The game was originally slated for a Fall 2025 launch, but development needs led to the delay.
• Rockstar Games emphasizes that the extra time is needed to achieve high-quality standards.
• The game features a modern Vice City and introduces a female protagonist for the first time.
• Over 250 million views of the initial trailer underscore the game’s high anticipation among fans.

Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that the release date for "Grand Theft Auto VI" has been pushed back to May 26, 2026, marking a significant delay from its original Fall 2025 schedule. The developer stated that this extension is necessary to ensure that they can deliver the high-quality experience that players expect, which has resulted in a mixed yet largely understanding response from fans and investors alike, according to Channel News Asia, BBC, and South China Morning Post.

The announcement highlights Rockstar's commitment to quality, as they express their understanding of the anticipation surrounding the title. In their statement, the company wrote, "The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team," pledging to exceed the expectations set by previous titles like GTA V, which has sold over 200 million copies. This sentiment is echoed by Strauss Zelnick, CEO of parent company Take-Two Interactive, who also emphasized the need for more development time, according to India Times, CBS News, and Bangkok Post.

The announcement follows the release of the game's trailer in December 2023, which amassed over 250 million views shortly after its debut. The trailer confirmed that the game will be set in a modern version of Vice City, and introduced Lucia, the franchise's first female lead alongside her partner. This new narrative style is seen as a significant evolution for the series, which faces ongoing criticism regarding its portrayal of violence, a point reiterated by sources highlighting the game's controversial content, according to Dawn and India Times.