(WXIN) – One of the most highly anticipated video games of 2025 won’t come out until 2026.

“Grand Theft Auto VI” is set for release on May 26, 2026, according to Rockstar Games.

“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” the company said in a statement. “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”

No official release date had been announced for the game, but many analysts expected it to land this fall. Other game publishers even pushed their titles back to avoid the anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI” launch window.

The game has been in development for a decade. It’s the follow-up to the hugely popular “Grand Theft Auto V,” which came out in 2013 and retains a devoted fanbase.

The “GTA” series debuted in 1997 but achieved blockbuster status with the release of “Grand Theft Auto III” in 2001, which made the leap to a 3D open world and became one of the best-selling video games of the era.

Rockstar released the trailer for “Grand Theft Auto VI” back in December 2023.

Here’s the company’s statement on the delay:

Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026.

We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.

With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.

We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

Rockstar Games