GTA VI Delayed to 2026 – Why This Might Actually Be a Good Thing

Image Credit: Rockstar Games / Take-Two Interactive

By Sticks | OnThaSticks.com

New Release Date: May 26, 2026 • Read Time: 4–5 mins

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🚨 TL;DR

• New release date: May 26, 2026
• Original expectation: Fall 2025
• Reason: Rockstar says it's polishing and ensuring quality
• Big takeaway: Delay could mean higher dev costs — and a better final product
• Video breakdown: Watch our full reaction below 👇

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🎥 Full Video Breakdown

Watch: Our full voiceover reaction and analysis of the GTA 6 delay, development costs, and what this means for Rockstar and the entire industry.

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🧠 So What Actually Happened?

Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, confirmed that GTA 6 has been pushed back to a new launch date of May 26, 2026. While the official trailer still says “2025,” internal financial reports and updated PR materials now show a clear shift in release timing.

This lines up with what many devs and analysts were already expecting — Rockstar is taking the time it needs to polish the game, avoid crunch, and make sure it doesn’t pull a “Cyberpunk 2077” on launch day.

“If you're dropping the most expensive game ever made… you only get one shot at launch.”

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💸 The Billion-Dollar Elephant in the Room

We’ve already covered this in our last video — but it’s worth repeating: GTA 6 is reportedly the most expensive game ever made

• Estimated budget: $1–2 billion (development + marketing)
• Over a decade in development
• Expanding to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and likely a PC version later

This delay likely means more investment, more polish… and more pressure. But if anyone can deliver? It’s Rockstar.

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📍 What This Means for Gamers

Sure, it stings to wait another year — but the delay might actually be good news:

• 🧪 More time for bug testing and optimization
• 🎯 Launching in May avoids crowded holiday releases
• 📈 It gives time for next-gen hardware to expand its install base

And let’s be honest… with a game this big, you want it to launch *right*, not rushed.

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💬 Community Reaction (Let’s Talk About It)

How are you feeling about the delay? Disappointed? Relieved? More hyped?

Drop your take in the comments — or come discuss it in the Discord:

👾 Join the OnThaSticks Discord

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🔗 Related Content

• 💰 Why GTA 6 Might Be the Most Expensive Game Ever Made