Despite Grand Theft Auto VI‘s anticipation, an industry insider has suggested that the game could be facing internal delays that may push its launch even further along meaning Rockstar might not even stick to its May 2026 launch window. The claims, though unconfirmed by Rockstar Games or parent company Take-Two Interactive, are already stirring up speculation across the gaming community.
A 2027 Release Is “Not Off the Table”
In a new report for Bloomberg, industry expert and analyst Jason Schreier has commented on the recent GTA 6 delay and why developers and publishers are still stressed about its new release date.
“For other companies, Grand Theft Auto VI slipping was cause for panic. One developer working on a big multiplayer game told me that they had previously delayed their release date from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026. That was mostly because the game needed more time, but also to get away from GTA VI.“
He says companies are now “caught in a vise.” Simply, because Rockstar has delayed GTA 6 once, there’s now a precedent, and another delay is one business decision away.
He says: “There’s no guarantee that May 2026 is a sure thing.“
Take-Two’s Financial Forecast Hints at Trouble
The news comes just days before Take-Two Interactive’s Q4 earnings call, where analysts expect the company to reaffirm its guidance for a massive fiscal year 2025. Last year, Take-Two projected over $8 billion in bookings—figures widely believed to hinge on GTA 6 releasing within that timeframe.
If a delay is indeed brewing, that financial target may be unrealistic. And if history is any indicator, Rockstar has never hesitated to delay a release in favor of polish. Both Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA V were pushed back multiple times before launch, eventually arriving to critical and commercial acclaim.
Rockstar’s Silence Speaks Volumes
It’s worth noting that even if the internal timeline has shifted, Rockstar may not publicly acknowledge a delay until much later this year—likely during the marketing ramp-up phase. For now, fans are left to wait, speculate, and rewatch the trailer for the hundredth time.
What Happens Next?
If the claims are true, this would mark yet another in a long line of AAA delays across the industry. With player expectations at an all-time high and the pressure to deliver a genre-defining experience, Rockstar may opt to take the hit now rather than risk a shaky launch.
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