Grand Theft Auto VI development and release

Reference TimelineLast updated APR 14
SUMMARY

Rockstar Games confirmed on April 13, 2026, that Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a potential PC release in February 2027. As of April 14, 2026: A third trailer was released on March 30, 2026, featuring new characters and action sequences. The company also confirmed a limited data breach by ShinyHunters on April 11, 2026, stating it had no impact on operations or game development, amidst reports of employee protests regarding working conditions. The game is anticipated to be priced between $70 and $80, and Rockstar Games is actively recruiting game testers, indicating the game is entering its final testing phases.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

April 2026 5 developments

  1. Grand Theft Auto VI is set to be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

    Grand Theft Auto VI is set to be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A third trailer was released on March 30, 2026, featuring new characters and action sequences.

  2. Rockstar Games confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a potential PC release in February 2027.

    Rockstar Games confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a potential PC release in February 2027. The company also confirmed a limited data breach by ShinyHunters, stating it had no impact on operations or game development, amidst reports of employee protests regarding working conditions.

  3. Rockstar Games confirmed a data breach by the hacker group ShinyHunters on April 11, 2026.

    Rockstar Games confirmed a data breach by the hacker group ShinyHunters on April 11, 2026. The company stated that only non-material corporate data was accessed and player data remains secure. There is no expected impact on the game's development or release timeline.

  4. Rockstar Games has officially confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

    Rockstar Games has officially confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC version is reportedly targeted for February 2027, marking a delay from the initial Fall 2025 target.

  5. A former GTA VI developer has cautioned that trailer visuals may be more polished than the final game, and marketing is expected to begin in summer with a potential third trailer.

    A former GTA VI developer has cautioned that trailer visuals may be more polished than the final game, and marketing is expected to begin in summer with a potential third trailer. Additionally, reports indicate Rockstar Games may have been targeted by hackers in an alleged extortion attempt.

March 2026 8 developments

  1. Industry insiders suggest the third Grand Theft Auto VI trailer could arrive in May or later in the summer, with some speculating as early as August.

    Industry insiders suggest the third Grand Theft Auto VI trailer could arrive in May or later in the summer, with some speculating as early as August. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick may have hinted at a potential price range of $70-$80 for the game. The second trailer achieved 475 million views in less than a day.

  2. Grand Theft Auto VI is anticipated to be priced between $70 and $80, with pre-orders potentially opening in May 2026.

    Grand Theft Auto VI is anticipated to be priced between $70 and $80, with pre-orders potentially opening in May 2026. The game will feature a procedural breakable glass system for vehicles and props, enhancing realism.

  3. Rockstar Games has announced a recruitment drive for game testers, indicating Grand Theft Auto VI is entering its final testing phases.

    Rockstar Games has announced a recruitment drive for game testers, indicating Grand Theft Auto VI is entering its final testing phases. New details also suggest the game will feature a procedural breakable glass system for vehicles and props.

  4. Rockstar Games announced marketing for GTA VI will begin this summer, with a PC release anticipated in mid-2027 following the console launch on November 19, 2026.

    Rockstar Games announced marketing for GTA VI will begin this summer, with a PC release anticipated in mid-2027 following the console launch on November 19, 2026. The company is also actively hiring game testers, indicating the game is entering a new development phase.

  5. There is considerable speculation that a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI might be released in April 2026.

    There is considerable speculation that a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI might be released in April 2026. This rumor stems from observations that Rockstar Games appears to be clearing its schedule, suggesting a major announcement is imminent. The first trailer for GTA 6, released in December 2023, achieved record-breaking success.

  6. Rockstar Games' recent uncharacteristic announcement of multiple weeks of GTA Online bonuses has fue…

    Rockstar Games' recent uncharacteristic announcement of multiple weeks of GTA Online bonuses has fueled speculation among fans that a new trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI may be released soon, potentially before April. This unusual activity is being interpreted as a sign of upcoming marketing efforts for the highly anticipated game.

  7. Rockstar Games has officially confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on November 19, 2026, f…

    Rockstar Games has officially confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, apologizing for delays and stating the extra time will ensure the game's polish. The game will return to Vice City within the fictional state of Leonida, and recent updates to PlayStation database identifiers suggest pre-orders may open soon. Alleged new gameplay footage has also surfaced online, fueling anticipation for a potential third trailer.

  8. A leak from the PlayStation database suggests that title IDs for Grand Theft Auto VI have been added, potentially indicating that preorders will be opening soon.

    A leak from the PlayStation database suggests that title IDs for Grand Theft Auto VI have been added, potentially indicating that preorders will be opening soon. Rockstar Games is still targeting a November 19, 2026 release date for the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

February 2026 5 developments

  1. Take-Two Interactive has reportedly informed Sony and Microsoft that there are no planned delays to the November 19, 2026 release date for Grand Theft Auto VI.

    Take-Two Interactive has reportedly informed Sony and Microsoft that there are no planned delays to the November 19, 2026 release date for Grand Theft Auto VI. Marketing for the game is still slated to begin in Summer 2026, with physical editions planned for launch. Despite these assurances, some fans remain cautious due to the game's history of delays.

  2. Rockstar Games is reportedly implementing measures to prevent leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI by disseminating false information to identify individuals who leak confidential details.

    Rockstar Games is reportedly implementing measures to prevent leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI by disseminating false information to identify individuals who leak confidential details. This strategy aims to catch leakers, following a significant leak in 2022. The game remains scheduled for release on November 19, 2026.

  3. Multiple articles present conflicting release dates for Grand Theft Auto VI, with some indicating Ma…

    Multiple articles present conflicting release dates for Grand Theft Auto VI, with some indicating May 26, 2026, and others mentioning a 2025 launch, contrasting with the previously confirmed November 19, 2026 date. The latest reports from February 25, 2026, acknowledge the November 19, 2026 date but note it has already undergone two delays. Details from trailer 2, released May 6, 2025, showcase protagonists Lucia and Jason and various locations in Leonida.

  4. Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will launch globally on N…

    Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will launch globally on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version to follow. Industry insiders estimate the game's development budget at around $1 billion, making it one of the most expensive entertainment projects. Third-party retailer listings suggest potential prices, with speculation that a third trailer might be released in July 2026.

  5. Marketing for Grand Theft Auto VI is confirmed to begin in Summer 2026, and Take-Two Interactive has…

    Marketing for Grand Theft Auto VI is confirmed to begin in Summer 2026, and Take-Two Interactive has denied rumors of a digital-only release, confirming a physical launch for the game. The game remains on track for its November 19, 2026 release date.

January 2026 12 developments

  1. Fans have allegedly resorted to extreme measures, including using fake IDs and drones at Rockstar Ga…

    Fans have allegedly resorted to extreme measures, including using fake IDs and drones at Rockstar Games' studios, in attempts to gain early access or a glimpse of Grand Theft Auto VI.

  2. Rumors indicate that Rockstar may reveal new details about Grand Theft Auto VI in February, potentially aligning with upcoming investor meetings.

    Rumors indicate that Rockstar may reveal new details about Grand Theft Auto VI in February, potentially aligning with upcoming investor meetings.

  3. An update on Grand Theft Auto VI is anticipated during Rockstar's parent company Take-Two's upcoming quarterly earnings call.

    An update on Grand Theft Auto VI is anticipated during Rockstar's parent company Take-Two's upcoming quarterly earnings call. These calls have historically provided significant updates on major titles.

  4. Reports suggest the physical, boxed version of Grand Theft Auto VI may be delayed until 2027, separate from the digital release on November 19, 2026, possibly to prevent leaks.

    Reports suggest the physical, boxed version of Grand Theft Auto VI may be delayed until 2027, separate from the digital release on November 19, 2026, possibly to prevent leaks.

  5. A Russian deputy requested a ban on Grand Theft Auto VI in Russia due to its content.

    A Russian deputy requested a ban on Grand Theft Auto VI in Russia due to its content. Separately, Sony's omission of the game from its 2026 PS5 promotional video has fueled doubts about the November 19, 2026 release date.

  6. A potential tease for Grand Theft Auto 6, involving a ship named 'The Leonida', was reportedly discovered within the game files of Red Dead Redemption 2.

    A potential tease for Grand Theft Auto 6, involving a ship named 'The Leonida', was reportedly discovered within the game files of Red Dead Redemption 2. This discovery fuels ongoing anticipation for the game's release.

  7. The GTA 6 countdown has dropped below 200 days, reigniting fan debate over Rockstar's November 19, 2026 release date.

    The GTA 6 countdown has dropped below 200 days, reigniting fan debate over Rockstar's November 19, 2026 release date. Recent subtle YouTube updates have sparked speculation of a third trailer, possibly in February 2026.

  8. Speculation suggests Rockstar Games may release a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, possibly around May 2026, to boost marketing efforts before the game's launch.

    Speculation suggests Rockstar Games may release a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, possibly around May 2026, to boost marketing efforts before the game's launch.

  9. Speculation about a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI is growing after a discovery that Rockstar updated several YouTube playlists, including one for GTA 6.

    Speculation about a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI is growing after a discovery that Rockstar updated several YouTube playlists, including one for GTA 6.

  10. Rumors from past leaks suggest that approximately 70% of the buildings in Grand Theft Auto VI will be enterable.

    Rumors from past leaks suggest that approximately 70% of the buildings in Grand Theft Auto VI will be enterable.

  11. Rockstar Games made a heartwarming gesture by allowing a terminally ill fan to play Grand Theft Auto VI ahead of its official November 19, 2026 release.

    Rockstar Games made a heartwarming gesture by allowing a terminally ill fan to play Grand Theft Auto VI ahead of its official November 19, 2026 release.

  12. Rockstar Games confirmed that while Grand Theft Auto VI will launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Serie…

    Rockstar Games confirmed that while Grand Theft Auto VI will launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, PC players will have to wait longer for its release, following the studio's usual approach.

November 2025 2 developments

  1. The first Grand Theft Auto VI trailer became the most viewed trailer in YouTube history, and the sec…

    The first Grand Theft Auto VI trailer became the most viewed trailer in YouTube history, and the second trailer achieved over 475 million views in its first day across all platforms.

  2. Video analysis suggests that internal issues at Rockstar Games, including staff burnout, unionizatio…

    Video analysis suggests that internal issues at Rockstar Games, including staff burnout, unionization efforts, and reported employee protests, may have contributed to the six-month delay of Grand Theft Auto VI's release.

May 2025 2 developments

  1. A second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was released, revealing the full names of the protagonists, Lucia and Jason.

    A second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was released, revealing the full names of the protagonists, Lucia and Jason.

  2. Rockstar Games announced a delay, pushing the release date to May 26, 2026, citing the need for additional development time to meet quality expectations.

    Rockstar Games announced a delay, pushing the release date to May 26, 2026, citing the need for additional development time to meet quality expectations.

May 2024 1 developments

  1. Take-Two Interactive announced in May 2024 that Grand Theft Auto VI is slated for a Fall 2025 release, contradicting previous reports of a November 19, 2026 launch.

    Take-Two Interactive announced in May 2024 that Grand Theft Auto VI is slated for a Fall 2025 release, contradicting previous reports of a November 19, 2026 launch. Rival publishers are reportedly waiting for this date before setting their own 2025 release schedules due to the anticipated impact of GTA VI.

December 2023 1 developments

  1. Following an early leak of the trailer, Rockstar Games officially released the first trailer for Gra…

    Following an early leak of the trailer, Rockstar Games officially released the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, confirming the title, protagonists, setting, and an initial 2025 release window for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The trailer broke multiple viewing records.

September 2022 1 developments

  1. A massive leak occurred, with a user publishing 90 videos of in-progress game footage, revealing details like the Vice City setting and dual protagonists.

    A massive leak occurred, with a user publishing 90 videos of in-progress game footage, revealing details like the Vice City setting and dual protagonists. Journalists described this as one of the biggest leaks in video game history.

February 2022 1 developments

  1. Rockstar Games officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI was in development after years of speculation.

    Rockstar Games officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI was in development after years of speculation.