The highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been postponed once more, extending the wait for eager fans of the iconic video game series.

Originally unveiled in December 2023, Rockstar Games had initially slated the much-awaited sequel for a 2025 launch.

Yet, earlier this year, the company announced a shift, moving the release to next May. Today, the timeline has been adjusted further, with a new release date set for November 2026.

“Hello everyone, Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled for release on Thursday, November 19, 2026,” Rockstar Games conveyed in an announcement.

“We sincerely apologize for the extended delay, but this additional time is crucial to deliver the polished experience you expect and deserve.”

“We want to thank you again for your patience and support.”

The predecessor to the hotly anticipated title, GTA V, was enormously successful on its release in September 2013, breaking all kinds of records as it racked up more than $US1 billion in sales in its first three days.

However, assuming the latest release date proves accurate, fans are now faced with the prospect of having to wait more than 13 years for its sequel – which will be the eighth main instalment of the popular Grand Theft Auto series – to land.

Official announcements about GTA VI have been eagerly devoured by fans, with the two trailers for the game to date racking up a combined 405 million views on YouTube.

Following the announcement this morning, shares in Rockstar’s parent company, Take Two Interactive, plunged up to 18 per cent in after-hours trading, despite the NASDAQ-listed business also posting better-than-expected quarterly earnings figures.

The company has since pared back a good portion of those losses, although, as of 2.30pm (AEDT), shares are still down about 6 per cent.