Grand Theft Auto will have to wait another year to get the latest version of the popular video game.
Rockstar Games said in a statement Friday that the latest part of the series, Grand Theft Auto 6, will return to May 26, 2026. The game is expected to be released later this year.
"We are very sorry, it's later than you expected," Rockstar Games said.
"In every race we release, the goal has been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception," the company added. "We want you to understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve."
Commonly known as GTA in the gaming community, Grand Theft Auto sells millions of copies worldwide. But fans have been waiting for the new championship for more than ten years. The latest version of the game, GTA 5, was released in 2013, and sold more than 200 million copies.
Analysts predict that the GTA 6 could end up being the most profitable entertainment industry ever, although the delayed launch could reduce revenue in the near future.
Analysts at Wedbush Securities said in a study that they expect sales in fiscal 2026 to be $6.35 billion, compared with a previous estimate of $8 billion. However, they say the delay won't affect the lifespan of the GTA 6.
Wedbush predicts that the game will retail for $80 or more, or the same court as recent Nintendo and Xbox products.
Fans will meet when it is released next year The first heroine everLucia was imprisoned at the start of the game and later appeared with her male partner, which has accumulated millions of views as shown in the 2023 trailer.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, who owns Rockstar Games, defended the delay of the release date for GTA 6.
“We support a comprehensive rock star game and spend more time realizing their creative vision of Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, sensational entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations,” Hannick said.