Rockstar confirms Grand Theft Auto 6 official release date

Rockstar Games has confirmed the release date of GTA 6. And it is terrible news for fans.

Expected to release in the autumn of 2025, developer Rockstar has confirmed this is no longer happening.

It comes after months of silence on the issue, with the only updates in the last six months to reaffirm its commitment to an autumn date for this year.

Another update from its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, is also scheduled for this month where fans expected more details on the GTA release.

But that release date news is here early and with an almighty suckerpunch. GTA 6 is now being released months, and months, after the autumn window that had been pencilled in - an absolutely travesty for those loyal gaming fans waiting for the big release and searching Reddit every day for updates.

Rockstar confirmed the release date today (2 May), with it now being in 2026.

A statement from Rockstar was published on to the company's social media accounts where the firm shared its regret at having to delay GTA 6 in to the new year.

The company also acknowledged and thanked fans for their continued 'support and patience' in the months ahead of the game being ready for release to the general public.

In the time between the expected release window and the now delayed release date, Rockstar says its team will be able to 'deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve'.

Delayed! (Rockstar)

Rockstar said in a statement on Instagram: "Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026. 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. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game."

It added: "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.

"We look forward to sharing more information with you soon."

Coming 2025? If only (CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Fans were, as you can imagine, disappointed with the delay.

But on the flip side, others were saying it at least put to bed the 'conspiracy theories' around when the game might be released. And oh boy, has there been some wild ones.

"Honestly this was expected," one fan said on the official GTA 6 subreddit.

"But they should have at least included some screenshots with this announcement."