Is Rockstar Planning a Surprise Launch of GTA 6?

Credit: Rockstar Games

Rockstar Games moves in silence, so predicting its next move is like picking lottery numbers. The company recently announced the launch date of Grand Theft Auto VI, the eighth installment of its massively successful franchise. However, some think the game could come out sooner. Are the theories believable?

Here’s what you need to know. 

Will Rockstar Surprise the Gaming World? 

Rockstar recently announced the May 2026 launch date after years of anticipation. A 2025 release was realistic, but the video game company again had to delay GTA 6. Publishers have unveiled bug-ridden titles like Cyberpunk 2077, so Rockstar likely didn’t want to take any chances with an early release. 

The announcement was the first time gamers heard anything concrete about GTA VI. You’d think the community would stop spreading rumors about the release date, but conspiracies have run awry. It’s a good idea to take Rockstar at its word and not fall into the trap of TikTok videos. No credible source has listed reasons why the game will come out early. 

Why Are Surprise Launch Theories Spreading?

Rockstar’s announcement has made GTA 6 news hot, so content creators want to capitalize on the trend. From TikTok to YouTube, accounts want people to watch their videos and engage with their content, regardless of the truth. The same situation happens with fitness influencers who discuss false or harmful narratives to promote their affiliate links. 

For example, TikTokers have said the game could be released on May 26, 2025, with Rockstar intentionally surprising the world by launching a year early. If you believe that, realtors want to sell you beachfront property in Kansas. Players are impatient because it’s been nearly 12 years since GTA 5, and online creators will say anything to desperate gamers. 

Why Rockstar Won’t Release the Game Early

The rumors can be easy to fall for because you badly want to play GTA 6. However, here are five reasons why you should believe Rockstar’s May 2026 announcement. 

1. Anticipation

Is 12 years enough to promote what could be the most successful video release of all time? Rockstar doesn’t have to do much to get the gaming world buzzing about GTA VI. Instead, players and streamers can do the work for them through word-of-mouth marketing. While other titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are highly anticipated in 2025, they don’t generate hype like Grand Theft Auto games. 

2. Presale Opportunities 

You can’t preorder GTA 6 yet, but the day will arrive before next May. Rockstar wouldn’t suddenly release the game because they’d miss out on the presale opportunities. Once it hits Steam or the PlayStation Store, the next Grand Theft Auto could easily shatter records. Industry experts say its revenue could influence prices if the title sells for $100 or more. 

3. Getting It Right

Imagine it’s May 2, 2023, and you’re ready to play the new Redfall. Unfortunately, it had more bugs than a beach trip to Florida. Reports said the developers knew how poor it was and hoped Microsoft would cancel the game. Unfortunately for players, the show went as planned and contained significant technical issues. 

4. GTA Online

Rockstar unveiled GTA Online in October 2013, so you’d think the community has died down since the release. However, gamers are clamoring for a GTA 5 fix 12 years later. Trackers reveal the game had 29 million average monthly players in April 2025. These players still engage with the content and purchase DLC  with real-life money. 

5. Financial Reporting

The best way to gauge when Rockstar will release a game is to watch the financial reporting. If the company expects a massive income spike in the second quarter of 2026, you can be sure that’s when GTA 6 is coming out. Publishers wouldn’t mislead or surprise investors because they need significant financial backing. Otherwise, they could risk losses or legal issues. 

Anticipating the Next Era of Grand Theft Auto

GTA games have been a mainstay since San Andreas and Liberty City. In 2025, the gaming world is looking forward to Grand Theft Auto VI and its return to Vice City.

Rockstar has set a May 2026 release date, but online personalities would have you believe otherwise. Take the video game company at its word unless you see credible information from reporters or developers.