6 reasons why GTA VI delay is a good news

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 2, 2025, 18:19 IST

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Rockstar Games has postponed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026, moving it from its initial fall 2025 target. This delay, while disappointing to fans, could allow for enhanced polish, innovative features, and a potential multi-platform launch.

6 reasons why GTA VI delay is a good news

Image via Rockstar Games

Rockstar Games recently announced that Grand Theft Auto VI, initially scheduled for a fall 2025 release, has been pushed back to May 26, 2026. While the news has left many fans disappointed, the delay could actually be a blessing in disguise. Here are six reasons why the extra wait may be worth it.

1. More time, better polish

Rockstar is known for its attention to detail, and the studio clearly wants to avoid releasing a half-baked product. With a game as massive and complex as GTA VI, more development time means fewer bugs, smoother performance, and a polished launch - something Rockstar fans have come to expect.

2. Space for innovation

Delays often give developers room to implement features that may have otherwise been cut. With GTA VI, fans are hoping for destructible environments, realistic gunplay, improved ragdoll physics, and dynamic NPC behavior. The extended timeline could allow Rockstar to incorporate more of these highly requested elements.

3. 2026 could mean a multi-platform launch

While Rockstar hasn’t confirmed platforms yet, the delay might hint at a simultaneous release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and possibly even PC. A day-one PC release would be a first for a modern GTA title and could massively expand the game’s reach at launch.

4. Breathing room for other studios

GTA VI’s original 2025 window had the entire industry on edge. Major titles like Borderlands 4, Marathon, and Ghost of Yotei now have a clearer path to success. Even Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 may benefit from the reduced competition in the latter half of 2025.

5. A better online-offline balance

Reddit users have voiced a strong desire for Rockstar to focus more on single-player content. With more time, the studio may find a better balance between story and online components, avoiding the online-heavy tilt seen in GTA V post-launch.

6. More transparency and hype

Though fans are still waiting on Trailer 2, Rockstar’s confirmation of a concrete release date provides clarity. As the date approaches, players can expect a more steady rollout of trailers, developer updates, and gameplay reveals - all of which help build momentum the right way.
It’s easy to be disappointed by delays, especially for a game as anticipated as GTA VI. But when the dust settles, this extra time might just give Rockstar the breathing room it needs to deliver something truly groundbreaking

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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