'Grand Theft Auto VI' delayed again until November 2026
The highly anticipated new chapter in the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto video game series has been postponed once more. Rockstar Games confirmed on Wednesday that its release is now slated for November 19, 2026.
"We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve,"
— Rockstar Games, via X
The release had already been moved from late 2025 to early 2026 before this latest delay. Following the announcement, shares of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, fell more than eight percent in after-hours trading.
Protest and Labor Dispute
The same day the delay was announced, protests erupted outside Rockstar’s offices in Edinburgh, Scotland. The demonstrators accused the studio of union busting after it reportedly dismissed 31 employees.
Rockstar claimed the fired workers had violated company policy by distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum.
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which organized the demonstration, disputed this accusation, maintaining that the dismissed staff were members of a private chat channel connected to the union.
Rockstar has not yet issued a formal reply to AFP’s request for comment.
A Landmark Release in the Making
Despite the setbacks, "GTA VI" is expected to become one of the most significant entertainment launches ever, underscoring its status as one of the most awaited titles of 2026.
Author’s summary: Rockstar Games pushes GTA VI’s launch to November 2026 amid labor controversy and shareholder reaction.