GTA 6 Delay: Rockstar's History of Postponements Continues

If you're a fan of Grand Theft Auto, you've likely experienced the thrill of anticipation followed by the occasional sigh of delay announcements. Delays aren't always ideal, but in the world of gaming, they often mean better outcomes. Think of it as giving creators the time they need to perfect their craft. Take Duke Nukem 3D, for instance—haste made waste there. However, more often than not, delays lead to masterpieces. That extra attention to detail and the courage to cut loose underwhelming ideas result in unforgettable gaming experiences. How many times have you wished a publisher had taken the extra time to refine a game? Hold onto that thought—it'll resonate as you read on.

GTA 6 is delayed, and that’s a good thing. The extra time will likely elevate its quality.

I’ve been there since the early days of GTA, starting with chaotic PC LAN parties. From the quirky charm of GTA London 1969 to the groundbreaking success of GTA V, I’ve seen it all. Decades of mayhem, chaos, and exploration have taught me one thing: these games are practically always late—and not coincidentally, always great. Here’s a look at every notable delay in GTA history (and some Red Dead Redemption too).

Grand Theft Auto III

Rockstar’s New York offices stood close to the World Trade Center, and following the tragic events of September 11, GTA III saw a brief delay. Marketing VP Terry Donovan explained:

"Our decision is based on two factors: first, communications infrastructure downtown Manhattan has been inconsistent since the attacks; second, we felt a thorough review of all our titles and marketing materials was essential. We apologize for the delay but believe it’s necessary. Rest assured, the game remains phenomenal and will launch in late October."

Even minor adjustments made the delay worthwhile. Shooting cops and ambulances in Liberty City so soon after such devastating losses would have been insensitive.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Vice City and San Andreas share the shortest delay prize. Back when physical copies ruled, manufacturers had to predict demand. Vice City’s delay gave Rockstar time to meet overwhelming initial sales. Similarly, San Andreas arrived a week later than planned to allow extra polishing.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

While portable entries usually hit their marks, Vice City Stories saw a two-week delay in North America and longer elsewhere. Meanwhile, Chinatown Wars missed its mark by two months. Despite arriving late, it became a critical darling, leaving fans wishing for a sequel.

Grand Theft Auto IV

Anticipation for GTA IV reached fever pitch. With a new console generation and RenderWare retired, Rockstar Leeds aimed high. The journey required months of delay to deliver their vision.

Sam Hause stated, “The new consoles [PS3 and 360] allow us to realize our dream for GTA. Every aspect has transformed. The game is massive, pushing hardware to its limits. Top engineers from Sony and Microsoft are assisting. Our goal? Exceed fan expectations.”

Grand Theft Auto V

“This delay disappoints many, but trust us—it’s worth it. GTAV is ambitious and complex. It needs more polish. We apologize for the wait and assure you it will meet or exceed expectations.”

Their efforts paid off. GTA V became the most successful console game ever.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Though not part of the GTA series, RDR2 deserves mention. Twice delayed—first in spring 2017, then again in February 2018—the final release in late October proved worth the wait.

So, friends, don’t lose heart. GTA 6 will arrive, and when it does, it will likely be extraordinary. Until then, keep calm and let the delay work its magic. See you in Vice City.