Have you ever waited so long for something that you start questioning if it was even real to begin with? That’s where we are with Grand Theft Auto VI. After almost twelve years of rumors, leaks, and that one record-breaking trailer drop, Rockstar Games finally had an official release date… and now they’ve pushed it back. Which means there’s going to be even more historic events occurring before we ever get to touch the game for ourselves (even Carti dropped before the video game, for crying out loud).
In classic Rockstar Games fashion, the delay was wrapped in a politely worded apology about quality and player expectations, but fans weren’t having it. Within minutes, social media turned into a digital therapy group where everyone collectively lost their minds. You’d think the company had canceled Christmas. So now, fans are stuck in limbo with no new updates, no gameplay footage, and no clue when they’ll actually get to wreak havoc in Vice City 2.0. Don’t worry, though — we’ve got all the updates you need to know below.
It’s up with Rockstar Games
On May 2, Rockstar Games decided to ruin everyone’s day by dropping the one announcement no one wanted: Grand Theft Auto VI won’t be showing up until May 26, 2026. Yep. 2026. Go ahead and scream into the void. We’ll wait. The video game publisher released a statement full of the usual corporate “thank you for your patience” fluff. Translation: “We know you’re mad, but please don’t riot in the comments.”
Naturally, the Internet had a full-on meltdown, like a toddler who just dropped their ice cream cone.
Let’s be real: believing Rockstar Games will actually stick to May 2026 is like thinking your toxic ex has finally changed. Spoiler: they haven’t. If history is any clue (GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2, say hi), we’re probably looking at yet another delay, likely pushing the game to fall 2026. Right in time for holiday season video game console bundles—thanks to a team-up from Sony and Microsoft. Capitalism, baby.
Console gamers are already losing their minds, but PC players? They’re fighting for their lives. Rockstar hasn’t even confirmed a PC release yet, and if the GTA V timeline is anything to go by, we could be waiting until 2030. You might want to pick up a new hobby or take a trip — whatever gets you through the next couple of years (at least).
Of course, there have been plenty of theories on why Rockstar Games is playing with our feelings:
- They want to avoid the “crunch time” chaos that they became infamously known for and maintain good work conditions (because who wants to work 100 hours a week?).
- They are waiting for the $100+ price tag for video games to become the norm so they can up the cost (again).
- They are waiting for the video game Half-Life 3 to drop first.
Meanwhile, Rockstar is keeping things suspiciously quiet. No new trailers. No new details. Just radio silence and a vague promise that the wait will be “worth it.” Sure. Vice journalist Brent Koepp stepped in with a more zen perspective, saying, “Video game delays are always a good thing.” He pointed to the recent success of the video games Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Lost Soul Aside as examples of how extra time can mean a better product. He’s got a point…but tell that to fans whose parades just got rained on.
At this point, Rockstar needs to drop something — a trailer, a screenshot, literally anything — before the fanbase revolts. Because if May 2026 turns into “maybe 2027,” there won’t be just chaos in GTA VI… There’ll be chaos in real life, too.
