After two delays and years of anticipation, Grand Theft Auto VI launches on Thursday, November 19, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. More than 13 years after GTA V became one of the best-selling entertainment products ever made, Rockstar Games’ return is expected to be the biggest launch in the history of the medium.
What we know
- Release: November 19, 2026 — PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
- Setting: the fictional state of Leonida, including a modern Vice City
- Protagonists: Lucia and Jason, a criminal duo
The long road to launch
Rockstar first targeted a 2025 release, then moved the game to May 2026, and finally to November 19, 2026. Take-Two Interactive chief executive Strauss Zelnick has repeatedly stood by the final date — “It’s November 19, 2026,” he said in a widely shared interview — and Rockstar’s launch trailer confirmed it. Zelnick has acknowledged the game is roughly 18 months behind its original target.
Return to Vice City
The game is set in Leonida, Rockstar’s satirical take on Florida, centred on a sprawling modern Vice City. Trailers have showcased dense crowds, social-media satire and a dual-protagonist story following Lucia and Jason — the series’ first female lead in the modern era.
GTA VI isn’t just a game launch; it is a stress test for consoles, retailers, streaming platforms and the entire games economy.
Why the industry is watching
- Console sales: A must-have exclusive to current-generation consoles could drive hardware sales during the holiday season.
- Pricing: The game’s price point and any premium editions will influence how other publishers price future releases.
- Release calendars: Many publishers moved their games away from November to avoid competing with GTA VI.
- Online: A future GTA Online successor could dominate player time for years, as its predecessor did.
What about PC?
Rockstar has not announced a PC version at launch, following its usual pattern of console-first releases. Previous GTA games arrived on PC months or years later.
Tips for launch day
- Pre-load where possible — the download is expected to be very large.
- Check storage space on your console in advance.
- Expect busy servers for online features in the first days.
More gaming coverage in our Technology & AI section.