The highly anticipated game GTA VI will not be released this year, publisher Take-Two Interactive has announced. The successor to GTA V, one of the best-selling games of all time, was originally scheduled for release this fall but has been postponed to late May 2026.
Developer Rockstar Games needs more time to complete the game. In a statement, the company apologized for the delay and expressed hope that fans would understand the need for additional time to deliver the quality they expect.
Delays are common in the gaming industry, unlike in the film industry, due to the complexity and high budgets of modern games. Rockstar has faced criticism in the past for extreme working conditions, known as 'crunch,' during the final stages of development.
The delay is a significant blow to Take-Two Interactive, as it will miss out on expected revenue this fiscal year. The game was projected to generate billions, particularly during the holiday season. Following the announcement, Take-Two's stock fell by 9% in pre-market trading.
Other publishers may breathe a sigh of relief, as many had planned to avoid releasing their games around the same time as GTA VI to avoid competition.