GTA VI Release Date Revealed: Rockstar Delays to November 19, 2026
Grand Theft Auto VI Release Date Announcement
Rockstar Games has officially set the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI as Thursday, November 19, 2026. This marks another delay from the previously planned launch in May 2026. The company apologized for the extended wait, emphasizing that the additional time will ensure the game meets their high standards of quality and polish.
Reasons Behind the Delay
The delay comes amid reports of internal restructuring, employee burnout, and unionization efforts within Rockstar Games. These factors have contributed to production challenges, as the development team aims to deliver a refined and immersive experience. GTA VI is expected to feature two protagonists inspired by Bonnie and Clyde and an expansive open world, including Vice City and parts of South America.
Looking Forward to GTA VI
Despite the wait, fans can anticipate significant innovations, including a robust online mode building on the success of GTA Online. Rockstar’s commitment to avoiding crunch and enhancing gameplay suggests a carefully crafted release that will push the boundaries of the franchise when it launches in late 2026.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Rockstar Games
## Overview Rockstar Games is an American video game publisher and developer renowned for creating some of the most influential, commercially successful, and culturally significant video game franchises in history, including **Grand Theft Auto**, **Red Dead Redemption**, **Max Payne**, **Midnight Club**, **Manhunt**, **Bully**, and **L.A. Noire**[4][5]. Headquartered in New York City, Rockstar operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive and is celebrated for its focus on open-world gameplay, cinematic storytelling, and immersive virtual environments[6][7]. ## History Rockstar Games was officially founded in December 1998, following Take-Two Interactive’s acquisition of BMG Interactive, which included the rights to DMA Design’s **Grand Theft Auto** series[1][2]. The Houser brothers—Sam and Dan—along with Leslie Benzies, played pivotal roles in shaping the company’s creative direction[2]. In 1999, Rockstar acquired DMA Design (later renamed Rockstar North), the Scottish studio behind the original **GTA**, cementing its place in the industry[2][4]. The company quickly expanded, establishing studios worldwide and developing a reputation for pushing creative and technical boundaries. ## Key Achievements Rockstar’s breakthrough came in 2001 with **Grand Theft Auto III**, which revolutionized open-world gaming by introducing a fully 3D, living city for players to explore—a formula that has since become an industry standard[1][2]. The **GTA** series has gone on to break sales records, with **GTA V** (2013) becoming one of the best-selling entertainment products of all time, generating billions in revenue and maintaining an active player base through **GTA Online**[6]. **Red Dead Redemption** and its sequel further demonstrated Rockstar’s ability to craft compelling narratives and vast, dynamic worlds, earning widespread critical acclaim and commercial success