The anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed until May 26, 2026, Rockstar Games announced on Friday.
Fans had expected to return to the sun-drenched beaches and gleaming condominiums of Vice City, a fictionalized Miami, this year based on the game’s first trailer, which featured Tom Petty’s “Love Is a Long Road.”
“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,” Rockstar said in a statement. “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
Rockstar did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Matthew Ball, a video game analyst, said that Grand Theft Auto VI had been expected to drive the sales of PlayStation and Xbox consoles this holiday season. Few other video games had announced release dates this fall, wary of directly competing with what is expected to be a blockbuster title.
“For the rest of the market, GTA’s delay provides much needed — though only temporary — oxygen,” he said. “The title was expected to devour billions of dollars in consumer spend.”
The previous game in the franchise, Grand Theft Auto V, was released in 2013 and has generated more than $8 billion in revenue.
