The excitement for GTA 6 continues to grow, and rumors about its release date are stirring up speculation. While some sources have claimed the game has been delayed to 2026, a former Rockstar Games developer offers a more optimistic perspective on why a 2025 launch may still be in the cards.
GTA 6 Release Date Rumors: Fans Given Renewed Hope
In recent days, Grand Theft Auto fans have been caught in a whirlwind of speculation regarding the highly anticipated GTA 6 release date. Rumors that surfaced in early September suggested that the release had been delayed to 2026. However, fans hoping for a 2025 launch now have reason to stay optimistic, thanks to new insights from a former Rockstar Games developer.
GTA 6 Delayed to 2026? Not So Fast, Says Former Insider
The rumor mill kicked into high gear last week with claims that Rockstar Games had postponed GTA 6 to 2026. These claims quickly circulated, leaving fans in limbo about whether to expect a longer wait. While Rockstar Games has yet to confirm or deny the rumors, former Rockstar Games developer Obbe Vermeij—who was integral to the development of iconic titles like GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA 4—offered an intriguing perspective on the situation.
Former Rockstar Developer Sheds Light on Release Date Speculation
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), former Rockstar Games developer Obbe Vermeij, who worked on iconic titles like GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA 4, shared his perspective on the rumored delay. Vermeij provided insights based on his experience, suggesting that it’s too early for Rockstar Games to have made any firm decision about a potential delay.
“The decision to delay GTA IV was made 4 months or so before the original release date. Any further and it’s hard to make the call. R* is probably not in a position to determine whether they will hit 2025 until May-ish,” Vermeij tweeted. This indicates that while concerns about a 2025 release might exist, Rockstar is likely still aiming for that target and would make any delay decisions closer to the projected launch.
Vermeij also reminded fans of Rockstar’s reputation for perfectionism, saying, “GTA VI will sell for 10+ years, and there is no competition to worry about. They are not going to release the game until they’re 100% happy with it. No matter what is said in the trailer.”
Importantly, Vermeij clarified that he has no insider information and has not spoken to anyone at Rockstar about the development timeline. His comments were purely speculative based on past experience, but they do provide fans with a reason to hold on to hope for the 2025 release date.
“I don’t know all the answers. I left there 15 years ago. R* will keep pushing to make better games,” he replied to a fan asking about if the the GTA VI physics be more advanced than GTAIV.
The decision to delay gtaIV was made 4 months or so before the original release date. Any further and it's hard to make the call. R* is probably not in a position to determine whether they will hit 2025 until May-ish.
— Obbe Vermeij (@ObbeVermeij) September 14, 2024
Also:
GtaVI will sell for 10+ years and there is no…
I don't know all the answers. I left there 15 years ago.
— Obbe Vermeij (@ObbeVermeij) September 15, 2024
R* will keep pushing to make better games.
Why a 2026 Delay Might Not Be Set in Stone
Vermeij’s insight suggests that Rockstar Games could still be aiming for a 2025 launch. The decision to delay might not come until much closer to the intended date—perhaps as late as May 2025—if needed. While it’s not an exact prediction, it raises an important question: How would Rockstar know so far in advance that a 2025 release is out of reach?
This uncertainty leads to speculation that while there might be concerns about meeting the 2025 timeline, a definitive delay decision hasn’t been made. Vermeij’s comments leave room for optimism, as any talk of a delay could merely reflect cautious planning rather than an official call.
Bloomerberg reporter Jason Schreier shot down the earlier rumors from September on X.
“The internet (and my DMs) blew up this weekend over a rumor that GTA VI is delayed. Good news is that six Rockstar employees all told me they have not heard of any delay. Bad news: it’s a big, ambitious game and could very well slip! Too much time left to say anything definitive,” he tweeted.
Schreier added, “I want to be very clear: Six staff told me they weren’t *informed* of a delay. For all I know, Rockstar’s executive team could have decided months ago to delay GTA VI without telling the company. But the lack of internal announcement suggests that the Twitter rumor was nonsense.”
I want to be very clear: Six staff told me they weren't *informed* of a delay. For all I know, Rockstar's executive team could have decided months ago to delay GTA VI without telling the company. But the lack of internal announcement suggests that the Twitter rumor was nonsense
— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) September 9, 2024
Rockstar Games Stays Silent
As of now, Rockstar Games has not made any official statements regarding the rumored delay or the release date. Fans continue to speculate, but until the company breaks its silence, there’s no definitive answer about when GTA 6 will hit the shelves.
For those eagerly awaiting more news, keep in mind that GTA 6‘s development cycle mirrors past Rockstar releases, where delays were only confirmed closer to launch. Stay tuned as we monitor updates and provide the latest on the GTA 6 release date.
Watch the GTA 6 teaser trailer:
