The story of GTA 6, announcement by announcement
From 2022 to November 19, 2026: every official milestone on GTA 6’s road to launch, in order, with the sources. Expected dates without confirmation stay marked as such.
- Announcement
Rockstar confirms development
In a short official update, Rockstar confirms for the first time that the next Grand Theft Auto is "well underway". No name, no date: just confirmation that it exists.
- Leak
The big development leak
Around ninety work-in-progress videos leak online: one of the biggest breaches in gaming history. Rockstar confirms the intrusion, reaffirms development continues, and shows nothing more for over a year.
- Announcement
Rockstar announces the trailer
Sam Houser confirms the first trailer will arrive in early December, timed to the studio’s twenty-fifth anniversary. The wait becomes official.
- Trailer
Trailer 1: the reveal
Rushed out a day early after a version leaked. It brings the series back to Vice City, introduces Lucia and points to 2025. It shatters YouTube’s 24-hour view records.
- Delay
First delay: May 26, 2026
Ahead of the second trailer, Rockstar sets the first official date and moves the release from the 2025 window to May 26, 2026.
- Trailer
Trailer 2: the duo
The second trailer introduces the Jason and Lucia duo, the Leonida cast and most of the regions. Captured on PS5, as Rockstar states.
- Delay
The final date
A second, shorter delay: from May 26 to November 19, 2026, to polish the game. It becomes the date that matters.
- Commercial
Preorders open
Standard and Ultimate with the Vintage Vice City Pack as a bonus. The first physical stock vanishes in hours.
- Expected
Preload
One week before launch, digital preorders can download everything and wait for the unlock.
- Launch
Launch on PS5 and Xbox
The day Leonida opens, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The companion map and tracker fill up from day one.