To hear that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed again, even before 2026 began, is heartbreaking for some, but there’s a good reason for the same. Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson noted in a recent podcast that it’s reportedly been “content ready” for a “very long time.” However, it’s not as simple as releasing the game because it’s technically “finished.”
“If there’s a single glitch, like somebody glitches through the door or something like that, people are going to run with it, and it’s going to be a bad look for them.” Given the long development period (beginning “in earnest” from 2020) and the delays, it’s expected that the smallest blemish will draw attention.
However, Rockstar’s own reputation as perfectionists would also be at stake. Red Dead Redemption 2 experienced delays and is widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, particularly in terms of its production values. And yet, bugs remain, even years later. If Rockstar can take additional time to minimize those as much as possible, you can bet it’s going to.
Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on November 19th, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Even without knowing the full scope of its scale, it’s already expected to be a massive success. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick says it will “deliver an unrivalled blockbuster entertainment experience” while feeling “highly confident” about the new date.
