For more than a decade, Grand Theft Auto 6 has crystallized all expectations. Announced as Rockstar Games’ most ambitious project, it also symbolizes the weight of a franchise that has become legendary. While the official release is set for May 26, 2026, voices are starting to be heard calling this deadline into question.
Among them, that of Reece Reilly, host of the podcast Kiwi Talkzwho claims to have received conflicting feedback from developers working at different Rockstar studios. On Twitter, he indicates that these exchanges cast growing doubt on the studio’s ability to meet deadlines.
Development nears completion, but testing takes time
According to Reilly, the game is in the finalization phase, but still far from being ready for delivery. He explains that “the game is probably close to completion, but requires extensive testing to meet expectations”, referring in particular to the disastrous launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Rockstar, burned by this example, cannot afford to deliver an unstable game.
The problem is all the more delicate as the studio has recently made layoffs. This reduction in staff could complicate the last phases of development, often the most critical. Testing, bug fixing and optimization require time, rigor, and above all a complete team.
The latest official communication from Rockstar still maintains the date of May 26, 2026. But the total absence of new images, trailers or demonstrations leaves a certain vagueness. And in this zone of uncertainty, rumors naturally gain momentum.
Would another postponement really be a bad thing?
For many players, the idea of waiting a little longer isn’t necessarily a problem. After more than ten years of development, a few more months would not fundamentally change the situation. Better a perfectly finished game than a rushed launch, no matter how spectacular it may be.
But a new postponement would also be a risky bet. The frustration builds up, and each delay increases the pressure on Rockstar. The implicit promise has become monumental. GTA 6 doesn’t just have to be good: it has to justify the years of waiting, surpass its predecessors, and redefine open world standards.
A further delay would undoubtedly be understood by the players… as long as it is accompanied by honest communication, a preview of the final product, and a promise kept. Otherwise, enthusiasm could turn into suspicion.