The release of Rockstar Games’ GTA 6 has been one of the most anticipated gaming events in recent memory. Just hearing the title conjures images of a neon-soaked Vice City, high-speed chases, and the sprawling, intricately crafted worlds Rockstar has delivered over the past decade. Yet, despite the overwhelming excitement, a sense of uncertainty still lingers fueled by the unpredictable nature of game development. This leads to the big question: Is Grand Theft Auto 6 still on track for its fall 2025 release, or will fans be left waiting even longer? Read on as we explore whether GTA 6 is facing a delay.
GTA 6 Is Planned For a 2025 Release
Let’s rewind to December 5, 2023 the day we first got an official release window for GTA 6. At the end of the long-awaited trailer, Rockstar left no room for doubt with a clear message: “Coming 2025.“ This locked in 2025 as the target year for the much-anticipated successor to GTA 5.
Not long after the trailer drop, Take-Two Interactive reinforced this timeline during an earnings call. The company confirmed that GTA 6 is slated for a Fall 2025 release. This statement has since been repeated in follow-up financial reports and public communications, forming the foundation of the current expectations surrounding the game’s launch.
With new Mafia and Borderlands titles reportedly nearing release, Take-Two could be aiming to push GTA 6 marketing closer to Q3 of 2025. A recent rumor also pointed to a potential marketing deal between Rockstar Games and PlayStation, as GTA 6 was allegedly spotted in the backend of the PS Store. While this doesn’t confirm an imminent trailer drop, it does hint that some promotional material could be on the horizon. Still, the possibility of a release delay for GTA 6 cannot be ruled out entirely.
A GTA 6 Delay is Possible
The possibility of a delay stems from a statement made by Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. In a recent interview, Zelnick discussed the marketing approach for GTA 6, stating, “We found that the better thing to do is provide marketing materials relatively close to the release window.” This strategy hints at a more condensed promotional timeline, which could also suggest potential shifts in the game’s release schedule.
However, in a conversation with IGN, Zelnick acknowledged that there’s always a risk of delays, noting that saying anything with absolute certainty might jinx the release date. He further elaborated:
“So we feel really good about it. […] I think the game is eagerly anticipated both internally and externally. We know that Rockstar seeks perfection. I never claim success before it occurs. I’m fond of saying arrogance is the enemy of continued success, so we’re all running scared and looking over our shoulders and we know that the competition is not asleep. Our whole organization is super excited.”
Delays from major studios aren’t uncommon, and they shouldn’t come as a surprise. Looking back, titles like Batman: Arkham Knight and Uncharted 4 were both pushed back just weeks before their intended release dates. Even more recently, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows experienced a significant delay. These setbacks are often due to last-minute polishing, as developers strive to deliver the best possible experience at launch.
However, former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij revealed that if the company were to delay GTA 6, the public likely wouldn’t find out for several months. In an interview, Vermeij shared that the decision to postpone GTA 4 was made just about four months before its original release date.
He also added, “GTA 6 will sell for over 10 years, and there’s no real competition to worry about. They won’t release the game until they’re 100% satisfied with it regardless of what was stated in the trailer.”
Is GTA 6 Trailer 2 Delayed Due to Release Date Pushback?
One factor fueling speculation around a possible GTA 6 delay is the absence of a second trailer. Recently, changes were spotted on the GTA 6 videos page on Rockstar’s website, leading many to believe new screenshots or content might be added. However, no new information has been released so far.
If a second trailer does arrive, it would likely include the exact release date possibly explaining the silence around further announcements. With that in mind, if GTA 6 is indeed facing a delay, Rockstar might hold off on confirming it until around May 2025. In response to this uncertainty, several other studios are reportedly adjusting the release timelines of their own games.
It’s still uncertain whether GTA 6 will actually release in Fall 2025 as Take-Two previously announced. Rockstar continues to stick to that timeline publicly, and all signs suggest the team is working hard behind the scenes. But with a game of this scale, delays are always a possibility especially since Rockstar has pushed back release dates in the past.
For now, all fans really want is to return to Vice City, reimagined with all the upgrades that next-gen hardware can offer. Whether that happens in Fall 2025 or takes a little longer remains to be seen only Rockstar truly knows the current status.
So, what do you think? Is GTA 6 going to be delayed until 2026? Let us know in the comments below!
