PlayStation Plus Free Game Announced To Soften GTA 6 Delay Blow

It's all anyone is going to be able to talk about today; Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will no longer be targeting its 26 May 2026 release date.

The highly anticipated title will now launch on 18 November 2026, making this the second time the game has now been delayed.

Fair to say, Grand Theft Auto fans are likely all feeling pretty rotten today, but I have a little something that may put a smile on your face. Key word, 'may'.

As reported by Dealabs' billbil-kun, PlayStation Plus is set to gain a free title very soon that should help soften the blow.

PlayStation Plus' extra tier will soon add GTA V to its roster for both extra and premium tier users to enjoy and yes, this isn't the first time it's joined the service.

Let’s face it, if you want to play GTA V, you probably already have by now, whether that’s via purchasing the game or enjoying it during previous PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass tenures.

Still, I suppose if there’s anyone out there who does want to see what all the fuss is about given that GTA VI is now a whopping 12 months away, this is your chance to do so.

According to billbil-kun, GTA V’s arrival on PlayStation Plus will be announced on Wednesday 12 November with the title then joining the service on 18 November 2025, one year before GTA VI’s launch, funnily enough.

Usually, I’d urge you to take such a leak with a pinch of salt but when it comes to PlayStation Plus, billbil-kun is reliably bang on month after month.

GTA 5 official image

GTA V last appeared on PlayStation Plus in November of 2024, with the title usually staying for six months.

Rockstar Games has confirmed GTA VI’s second delay

This comes as GTA VI has once again been delayed with the highly anticipated title now launching one year behind its original window.

In a message posted to Twitter/X, Rockstar said, "Hi everyone, Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on Thursday, November 19, 2026."

It continued, "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."

The delay has fallen within a period of controversy for Rockstar.

The company recently fired over 30 staff members allegedly predominantly based in the company’s Edinburgh office, Rockstar North.

While Rockstar claims the employees were dismissed for leaking sensitive company information, the studio has been accused of illegal "union busting" as those affected reportedly belonged to a private union Discord channel.