Why did GTA 6 get delayed by Rockstar Games?

“Why did GTA 6 get delayed?” is a question many gamers have on their mind right now, especially after watching trailer 2 of the game. Developer Rockstar Games recently released a statement on the GTA 6 release date and announced that the title will now be released on May 26, 2026, which is months after its originally planned release in fall 2025. Naturally, fans are curious to know why the delay.

Simply put, GTA 6 is delayed because the developers need more time to deliver the "level of quality you expect and deserve":

"We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve."

Let’s quickly explore Rockstar’s statement and learn more possible answers to "why did GTA 6 get delayed?"

Why did GTA 6 get delayed? To ensure a quality product, Rockstar Games says

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Rockstar Games knew that gamers would be asking the question, "Why did GTA 6 get delayed?" and that's why they released a lengthy statement on the matter. As can be seen above, Rockstar Games announced that GTA 6 is delayed on X. The opening statement mentioned the new release date of May 26, 2026, followed by an apology to fans:

“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team.”

The developer thanked everyone for their support and patience before revealing that it needed time to finish the game:

“We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.”

Why did GTA 6 get delayed when the game looks this good already? (Image via Rockstar Games)

Note that finishing the game might be alluding to providing the final polish and bug fixes. The follow-up paragraph sheds more light on why GTA 6 has been delayed to 2026:

“With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”

Moreover, a reliable source has shared more details regarding the situation. According to popular reporter Jason Schreier, one possible answer to the question "why did GTA 6 get delayed?" is to avoid a “brutal crunch” at the workplace.

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This suggests that Rockstar Games, while ensuring the quality of the upcoming game, doesn’t want to rush developers into finishing the product this year.

While no more details are available on why GTA 6 got delayed, Rockstar Games recently released the trailer 2 and screenshots of the upcoming title.

About the author

Neeraj, a Grand Theft Auto writer, has penned over a thousand articles for Sportskeeda in the last two years, amassing an impressive 5+ million views. His dedication to the craft has earned him the title of a content specialist under the Esports & Gaming division. Previously, he was a senior analyst at media software company Cision, where he worked on projects for clients like Sony PlayStation.

With a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PGJMC), and drawing inspiration from video game streamers like Ryukahr, Neeraj is committed to delivering top-notch content and setting a high standard for his team. He verifies information using both primary and secondary sources to ensure reader satisfaction.

Grand Theft Auto was Neeraj’s entry point into the world of video games, and he is still devoted to Rockstar Games' beloved franchise. He has played multiple generations of the series’ titles, from the 3D Universe entries to the modern HD classics. Neeraj believes that GTA Vice City is ideal for beginners looking to get familiar with the open-world genre.

Away from gaming, Neeraj finds delight in the comedic escapades of TV series like The Big Bang Theory.

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Edited by Sijo Samuel Paul