**Grand Theft Auto 6 Delayed Again: New Release Date Set for November 2026 Amid Studio Turmoil**
Rockstar Games, the publisher behind the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), announced on Thursday that the game’s release has been postponed yet again. The new launch date is now set for November 19, 2026, marking another significant delay for a title that fans have been eagerly awaiting for over a decade.
**A History of Delays**
GTA 6’s development has been the subject of intense speculation since the release of its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto 5, in 2013. After years of rumors and teases, Rockstar Games initially targeted a 2025 release, but earlier this year, the launch was moved to May 26, 2026. Now, the date has been pushed back further to November 2026, representing a delay of nearly six months from the most recent plan.
In its official statement, Rockstar Games apologized to its massive fanbase for the continued delays, emphasizing that the extra time is necessary to deliver the level of quality expected from one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. “These extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve,” the company stated. They also highlighted their excitement for players to experience the expansive state of Leonida and a return to the modern-day Vice City, both central locations in the upcoming game.
**Development Woes and Studio Turmoil**
While delays in large-scale game development are not uncommon, GTA 6’s prolonged production cycle has been marked by particular challenges. The game reportedly entered development in 2018, shortly after the release of another Rockstar blockbuster, Red Dead Redemption 2. Despite the long development timeline, Rockstar North—the primary studio behind the series—has released limited information about the game’s progress, further fueling speculation and impatience among fans.
Adding to the studio’s woes, recent reports revealed significant internal conflict. Last month, between 30 and 40 employees at Rockstar North were abruptly laid off. According to Bloomberg, those fired were reportedly involved in efforts to organize a union within the company. A trade union representative claimed that the dismissals were a direct response to these organizing activities, suggesting union-busting tactics by Rockstar’s management. However, Rockstar disputed these claims, stating the employees were terminated for allegedly sharing confidential company information on a public forum.
The controversy escalated on Thursday when former employees protested outside the offices of Rockstar North and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive. Demonstrators accused the company of suppressing workers’ rights and attempting to quash unionization efforts. The timing of the layoffs and the subsequent delay announcement has raised questions about whether internal disruptions played a role in the latest postponement, though Rockstar has not confirmed any direct link.
**What We Know About GTA 6 So Far**
Despite the delays and internal strife, Rockstar has gradually released more details about