The announcement came as a shock to fans: Grand Theft Auto 6 will not be released before November 2026. Initially hoped for 2025, the most anticipated video game of the decade has seen its release pushed back by a year. Very quickly, speculations were rife, notably on a supposed link with the recent layoffs within Rockstar Games, but several recognized voices in the industry deny this explanation.
Behind the scenes, the game was never really going to be ahead of schedule. The recent layoffs within the studio – 34 people fired, according to several sources – have reignited tensions in the community. Some saw it as an attempt at repression against employees suspected of having wanted to create a union. There was even a persistent rumor of retaliation, but the facts tell a different story.
What industry insiders are saying
Specialized journalist Tom Henderson, known for his scoops on the gaming scene, was one of the first to alert about this possible delay of GTA 6. On the social network
This statement was in response to a comment suggesting that this postponement would be a hasty decision, motivated by recent events. However, according to Henderson, this would be an advance planning, not directly related to the layoffs. Journalist Jason Schreier, another influential voice in the world of video games, shares this analysis. On ResetEra, he states:
“This delay is not due to last Thursday’s layoffs. Although the consequences of these layoffs could have a long-term impact on the project – through vacancies, prolonged legal battles, loss of morale, etc. – the game was not postponed for six months because 34 people were laid off a week ago. It was announced today because Take-Two released its financial results.”
The alignment of these statements confirms a less explosive reality than the rumors suggested. Rockstar and its parent company, Take-Two, would have simply chosen to postpone the release to perfect their title.
An assumed choice for an expected game
Despite the bitterness felt by players, Rockstar’s strategy remains faithful to its image: that of a studio that does not compromise with quality. The precedent of Red Dead Redemption 2, also postponed several times before its acclaimed release, proves that this method can bear fruit.
The context nonetheless remains tense for the studio, caught in internal turmoil between accusations of leaks, disputes over dismissals and loss of confidence among certain developers. However, according to several observers, the heart of the decision remains creative, and not disciplinary.
While waiting for 2026, fans will be able to console themselves with the upcoming arrival of Grand Theft Auto 5 on PlayStation Plusscheduled for November 2025. A reminder that, even in the storm, the GTA license continues to make the news.