In a move that has left millions of fans worldwide disappointed, Take-Two Interactive has officially delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) to May 2026. The news came during the company’s latest financial earnings report, revealing that the launch window for the next instalment in Rockstar Games’ blockbuster franchise has shifted from its initial 2025 estimate.
South African gamers, like their global counterparts, have been eagerly awaiting the successor to 2013’s GTA V, which remains one of the best-selling video games of all time. The delay adds another year to what is already the longest gap between mainline entries in the series.
Originally teased in December 2023, GTA VI made headlines with its cinematic trailer featuring a new setting based in the fictional Leonida — Rockstar’s version of Florida — and a dual protagonist system that promises to add fresh depth to the open-world formula.
However, Take-Two has cited the need for additional development time to ensure the game meets the company’s “standards of excellence and innovation.” While no specific challenges were highlighted, analysts speculate the delay stems from the studio’s ambitious scope and commitment to next-gen realism, online integration, and storytelling.
Rockstar Games has a long-standing reputation for perfectionism, often delaying titles to fine-tune mechanics and performance. Previous titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 also saw delays before launch, ultimately earning critical and commercial success due to their polish and depth.
The delay of GTA VI is expected to give Rockstar more breathing room to meet the expectations of a gaming community that has waited more than a decade for the next chapter.
With such a massive cultural and economic footprint, the delay of GTA VI may have ripple effects across the global gaming market, including in South Africa, where fans have already begun speculating about hardware upgrades, pre-order dates, and community modding opportunities.
Retailers and gaming influencers have also voiced mixed reactions — some disappointed by the extended wait, others relieved that Rockstar is taking its time to deliver a truly next-gen experience.
Despite the delay, Take-Two remains bullish about the financial potential of GTA VI, projecting strong earnings for fiscal 2026. For fans in South Africa, the news might be a letdown, but it also reaffirms Rockstar’s dedication to quality — something gamers have come to expect from the studio.
As the countdown to May 2026 begins, one thing is clear: GTA VI remains the most anticipated game of the decade, and its eventual release is set to reshape the landscape of interactive entertainment once again.
