After initially being announced with a 2025 release window, Rockstar Games announced back in May that Grand Theft Auto 6 had been delayed to to May 2026. We haven't seen or heard much about the game since that announcement, which was accompanied by the game's second full-fledged trailer, but the expectation is that GTA 6 remains on track and will not be delayed again.
Speaking to CNBC about Take-Two Interactive's recent earnings results as well as the company's pipeline of games, CEO and Chairman Strauss Zelnick was asked about the May 26, 2026 release date, and if he was confident the game would be ready by then.
"My level of conviction is very, very high, obviously," Zelnick assured. "Rockstar does have a lot of other things going on, but [GTA 6] is of course the primary focus."
GTA 6 is undoubtedly the most anticipated game in development right now with some industry analysts estimating it could make over $3 billion in revenue in its first year alone. The initial trailers have been beyond impressive and hype for the game is at an incredible level. Zelnick was asked about these great expectations, many of which will have a direct impact on the company's stock price.
"We try not to pump expectations," Zelnick responded. "Rockstar's whole stock and trade is to have these extraordinary expectations and still beat them. I know that's their goal. I know it's going to be an amazing game."
Grand Theft Auto 6 is set in the fictional state of Leonida, inspired by Florida. Players will return to Vice City (based on Miami) and its surrounding diverse regions, like Grassrivers (an Everglades-like wetlands), the Leonida Keys, Ambrosia, and Port Gellhorn. The story will follow dual protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, a criminal duo with a dyamic compared to Bonnie and Clyde.
"Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them," the description reads. "But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive."
Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated to be released on May 26, 2026. The game has only been announced for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, but it is expected to come to PC at some point after launch.
In addition to GTA 6, Rockstar is believed to be working on a GTA 4 remaster as well as new versions of Red Dad Redemption 2.