The highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed until May 2026, according to an announcement from Rockstar Games. The latest entry in the globally successful video game franchise was originally expected to launch later this year. A trailer released in December 2023 offered fans a first look at the game, confirming its setting in a fictionalized version of Miami, known in the series as Vice City, and introducing a female protagonist for the first time in GTA history.
In a statement, Rockstar Games acknowledged fans’ disappointment: “We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. 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.” The company emphasized that the additional development time is necessary to meet the high standards expected by its audience.
The excitement surrounding the release is unprecedented. The first official trailer, which runs for one minute and thirty seconds and features Tom Petty’s “Love Is A Long Road,” has already surpassed 250 million views on Rockstar’s YouTube channel. The trailer opens with a woman named Lucia being released from prison. She and her male partner, presumed to be her romantic and criminal accomplice, are later seen bursting into a convenience store with weapons drawn. The final moments of the clip highlight their partnership, with Lucia stating, “The only way we are going to get through this is by sticking together, being a team.” This has reinforced fan theories that the game centers on a “Bonnie and Clyde”-style crime duo.
The new title follows the massive success of GTA V, which has sold over 200 million copies since its launch in 2013, becoming one of the best-selling video games of all time. The franchise’s longevity and impact on popular culture are undeniable.
However, the series has not been without controversy. Since its inception, Grand Theft Auto has been criticized for its violent content and depictions of criminal behavior. Critics argue that it glamorizes activities such as drug trafficking, assault, and theft, with particular concern over gameplay involving sex workers and visits to strip clubs. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, has consistently rejected these allegations, defending the games as adult entertainment meant for mature audiences.
Despite the delay, anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI remains high, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be a groundbreaking installment.
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