Rockstar Games has announced another delay for its highly anticipated title, Grand Theft Auto VI, pushing the release date to Thursday, November 19, 2026. This marks the second time the game has been postponed, extending the wait for fans eager to return to the fictional Vice City^[1][2][3]. The developer stated the additional time is necessary to ensure the game meets the high standards players expect.^[1][3] ### Second Delay for Highly Anticipated Title The latest delay moves Grand Theft Auto VI from its previously announced May 26, 2026, release date. Before that, the game was initially expected to launch in Fall 2025^[4][5][6]. Rockstar Games confirmed the new November 19, 2026, date in a statement posted on its official X account, which was also reflected in its parent company Take-Two Interactive's earnings report^{[1][2][3][7][8]}. The company expressed regret for the extended wait but emphasized the commitment to delivering a polished final product^[1][3]. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, addressed the delay in an interview. He stated that the company supports Rockstar's approach to "constantly seeking perfection"^[7]. Zelnick added that if a game "requires more polish to be the best possible version of itself, then we will give that game more time."^[7][8] He expressed confidence in the new release window, noting it remains within the same fiscal year^[2][9][7][8]. Grand Theft Auto VI has been in development since 2018 at Rockstar North in Edinburgh, with support from other studios worldwide^[1]. The game is set in the sprawling state of Leonida, featuring the iconic, Miami-inspired Vice City. It will follow the story of a romantically entangled criminal duo named Jason and Lucia^[1][3]. ### Industry Impact and Fan Reaction The delay of Grand Theft Auto VI is a significant event for the gaming industry. Many other publishers often schedule their own game releases around major titles like GTA to avoid direct competition^[4][10]. The extended development period for GTA VI now makes the wait between Grand Theft Auto V (released in 2013) and its sequel more than 13 years, spanning roughly two console generations^[6]. Fans have reacted to the news with a mix of frustration and understanding, sparking numerous online memes about the prolonged wait^[11]. Despite the anticipation, many acknowledge Rockstar's history of delaying games until they are fully ready^[10]. Game industry commentator George Osborn noted that for a title of such "enormous, big budget, high production value" and given Rockstar's track record, the delay is "not hugely unexpected."^[10] The game's predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has generated an impressive $8.6 billion in revenue since its 2013 launch, making it the second best-selling game of all time^[1][11]. Analysts predict Grand Theft Auto VI will be one of the best-selling games in history, with DFC Intelligence projecting sales of 40 million units and earnings of $3.2 billion in its first year alone^[4]. These figures would double the initial success of Grand Theft Auto V^[4]. ### Focus on Quality and Future Prospects Rockstar's decision to delay the game again underscores its commitment to quality over speed. This approach aims to avoid the issues faced by other major titles that launched prematurely^[6]. The company's statement reiterated its dedication to delivering a game with the "level of polish you have come to expect and deserve."^[1][3] The game is currently slated for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S^[9][5][8]. PC gamers, however, will likely face an even longer wait. While the console release is set for November 2026, many speculate the PC version might not arrive until late 2027 or even 2028^[9][8]. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated he is "highly confident" this will be the final delay for the blockbuster title^[9]. The ongoing development of Grand Theft Auto VI has also seen some internal changes. Reports indicated that Rockstar fired 30 to 40 British and Canadian employees in October 2025, citing public discussion and distribution of confidential information^[4]. The company has also faced criticism in the past regarding intense working conditions, known as "crunch," during the lead-up to major releases^[10]. The current delay may also ease some of the pressure on development teams^[10]. Despite the repeated delays, the immense hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI continues to grow. The game's first trailer, released in December 2023, broke multiple viewing records, accumulating 93 million views within 24 hours^[4]. The industry looks to GTA VI to potentially revitalize the video game market with record consumer spending^[4].