GTA 6 Delay: Rockstar Pushes Launch to May 2026, Frustrating Fans Worldwide

Rockstar Delays GTA 6 Release Date to May 2026

Just when fans thought the wait might be over, Rockstar Games hit the brakes again. On May 2, 2025, the legendary studio announced that GTA 6, easily one of the most anticipated games in the world, will now launch in May 2026. The news wasn’t cushioned by flashy new trailers, screenshots, or even platform details. Instead, fans got a short statement from Rockstar: “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.” That was it—no sneak peeks, no juicy tidbits, just another long wait on the horizon.

This move came as a real gut-punch to the massive GTA 6 fanbase. People have been clinging to hope since that explosive first trailer dropped back in December 2023, sparking endless online theories about the game’s story, characters, and setting. Since then, things have been quiet from Rockstar’s side, a silence that’s been stretching for more than a year and a half. The latest announcement only deepens those feelings of frustration and impatience. Forums like the GTA 6 subreddit are packed with comments like “At least give us a screenshot,” reflecting just how starved fans feel for any crumb of new information.

Adding fuel to the fire, Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, had repeatedly reassured the gaming press and investors that GTA 6 was still on track. Their CEO, Strauss Zelnick, specifically stated not long ago that everything was proceeding as planned. So, this delay came as a double shock—contradicting months of corporate optimism and making fans wonder what’s really happening behind the scenes.

For longtime followers of Rockstar, this painful wait has a sense of déjà vu. Remember how Red Dead Redemption 2 had its own last-minute pushbacks? Or how GTA V was famously delayed before finally setting sales records? At this point, Rockstar’s infamous for taking its time, but the consistent thread is always their relentless drive for perfection. Still, knowing that doesn’t make things any easier for people who’ve been waiting since the PS4 era for news about GTA 6.

Fan Reactions and Theories Run Wild

You can feel the tension online. Some fans vent their anger, while others try to unpack what the long silence and fresh delay might mean for the final product. Is the game’s map so big it breaks hardware? Is Rockstar aiming for a bigger leap in storytelling or online play? Nobody outside Rockstar really knows, and the guessing game only adds to the hype—and sometimes the disappointment.

Others remember that Rockstar’s perfectionist streak has usually paid off. Every delay so far has led to games that pushed the industry forward. Yet, there’s a limit to patience, and gamers are more plugged-in and vocal than ever. This time, the backlash feels stronger, with fans demanding at least a screenshot or some hint that development is moving forward.

The radio silence from Rockstar seems like a risky move, given how hungry the gaming crowd is for updates. Will they address this frustration in the coming months? Or will it be another year of complete quiet? At the moment, all roads lead to May 2026.