GTA 6 Reveal And Delay Timeline Charts The Course To Pre-Orders
Unfortunately, Grand Theft Auto VI’s pre-orders did not open yesterday on 18 May as originally leaked by US retailer Best Buy.
The company issued an email to affiliate partners offering 5% commission on pre-orders of GTA VI placed between 18 and 21 May; the email was later verified by Insider Gaming.
Clearly, 18 May has come and gone without movement from Rockstar Games, with a Best Buy employee having since surfaced reporting an internal error.
We’re back to square one, in a way, although it’s clear that pre-orders will still open very soon.
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We’re roughly six months away from GTA VI’s 19 November launch date, with PlayStation already emailing PS4 users recommending they upgrade to a PS5 to play GTA VI.
Later this week, Take-Two Interactive will hold its next earnings call (21 May) and such events are usually accompanied by updates from Rockstar Games.
Take-Two’s stock plummeted yesterday after Best Buy’s assumption turned out to be false. Investors are in dire need of something to be excited about.
When Rockstar Games does reveal pre-orders or drop GTA VI’s long-awaited third trailer, we’ll bring that news to you.
Until then, let’s chart the stops on the road that led us here.
Game’s Confirmation, February 2022
On 4 February 2022, Rockstar Games confirmed that development had begun on the next Grand Theft Auto entry.
“Many of you have been asking about a new entry in the Grand Theft Auto series,” a tweet began.
“With every new project, our goal is always to significantly move beyond what we've previously delivered. We're pleased to confirm that active development for the next entry in the series is underway.”
Game’s First Trailer Is Teased, November 2023
After a long period of radio silence, Rockstar Games broke records when it confirmed the imminent arrival of GTA VI’s very first trailer on 8 November 2023.
“We are very excited to let you know that in early December, we will release the first trailer for the next Grand Theft Auto,” Sam Houser posted to Twitter.
“We look forward to many more years of sharing these experiences with all of you.”
Game’s First Trailer Sets Release Date, December 2023
Weeks after teasing the game’s first trailer, a date was set for its reveal. That date was Tuesday 5 December. The tweet broke social media records.
Game’s First Trailer Releases Early After Leak, December 2023
GTA VI’s first trailer leaked online one day before its planned reveal, surfacing on 4 December.
The leaked trailer was swiftly taken down with the uploader’s account suspended.
Even still, Rockstar decided to release the trailer early, writing, “Our trailer has leaked so please watch the real thing on YouTube.”
Original Release Date, May 2025
GTA VI’s original release month was May 2025, although this was never revealed to the public.
In fact, this tidbit only landed in recent days with Take-Two Interactive Strauss Zelnick revealing that GTA VI is now set to launch “18 months behind the original date, not much more than that”.
It was a fall 2025 launch window that was instead first publicised by Rockstar.
Game’s First Confirmed Delay And Second Trailer, May 2025
On 2 May 2025, Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA VI would not meet its fall 2025 target, with the game moving to a new release date of 26 May 2026.
“We are very sorry this is later than you expected,” a statement said.
“The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and patience as we work to finish the game.”
On the same day, GTA VI dropped its second trailer and launched a new website with dozens of screenshots for fans to admire.
Game’s Second Confirmed Delay, November 2025
On 6 November 2025, Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA VI would no longer be targeting a May 2026 launch with the game’s release shifted to November of 2026.
“Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on Thursday, November 19, 2026,” the tweet said.
“We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realise has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.
“We want to thank you again for your patience and support. While the wait is a little longer, we are incredibly excited for players to experience the sprawling state of Leonida and a return to modern day Vice City.”
Radio Silence, 2026
No major updates have surfaced since that second official delay.
Take-Two has reiterated on several occasions that GTA VI remains on track, which is good to hear, but pre-orders are yet to open with a third trailer also nowhere to be seen.
READ MORE: GTA 6 Multiple Game Editions Leak For Pre-Order, Includes Collector's Edition
Topics: GTA 6, Grand Theft Auto, GTA, Rockstar Games