**Update 8th January 2026:** Jason Schreier, a well-regarded video game journalist, recently commented on an article regarding the anticipated release of *GTA 6*, referring to it as “a complete misunderstanding of what I said.” Schreier clarified that he wouldn’t be surprised if the game, which is set to be set in a fictionalized Miami, releases in the fall, following a delay pattern similar to *Red Dead Redemption 2*. This observation corrects an earlier misinterpretation of his comments about potential delays.
**Original Story Follows:**
According to sources from Bloomberg, *GTA 6* is not yet “content complete”, and while Schreier expressed some skepticism, he also noted that the currently scheduled release date of 19th November 2026 seems fairly solid.
This anticipation comes after a history of shifts in the game’s release timeline. In May 2024, Rockstar had initially projected a 2025 launch, narrowing this to fall 2025, with Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick affirming confidence in that schedule despite ongoing rumors of delays. Zelnick reiterated this confidence in February 2025; however, subsequently, *GTA 6* faced delays first to May 26, 2026, and then again to November 2026.
The unpredictability surrounding the release of *GTA 6* is not unexpected, given the complexities involved in developing vast open-world games like those in the *Grand Theft Auto* series. Additionally, this scenario has created uncertainty for other developers who are adjusting their release schedules to avoid competing for attention with Rockstar’s high-profile title.
Schreier pointed to Rockstar’s historical pattern of delaying games as a possible indicator for future release shifts, recalling previous delays experienced by *GTA 6* and *Red Dead Redemption 2*. He mentioned that, as of now, ongoing developments are still being finalized, making a definitive release timeline difficult to ascertain.
He emphasized the high stakes involved for both Rockstar and Take-Two, suggesting that the pursuit of a “perfect” game often outweighs the immediate financial incentives of releasing a less-than-polished product, as seen in the significant impact any delays have on shareholder value.
With the November release date, Rockstar has allowed itself a buffer before Take-Two’s fiscal earnings report in March 2027. They aim to capitalize on the holiday sales season while maintaining flexibility if further delays are necessary.
An important aspect of the game’s release is its exclusivity to certain platforms, particularly the PlayStation, which, according to Schreier, is a crucial element of sales strategy. He noted that the *GTA* franchise significantly boosts PlayStation console sales, indicating that Sony is likely cooperating closely with Rockstar regarding the launch.
As anticipation builds for *GTA 6*, Rockstar is also facing legal issues in the UK, where they are being challenged by former developers who allege wrongful dismissal in connection with union organizing efforts. This situation has attracted political attention, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling for further investigation into the matter.
In conclusion, the road to *GTA 6* remains fraught with delays and controversies, reflecting the complex dynamics of game development and the intense pressure on Rockstar to deliver a high-quality product amid associated challenges.
