Fans of the popular Grand Theft Auto video game series are going to have to wait a bit longer for the next entry, as developer Rockstar Games announced on Thursday that Grand Theft Auto VI is once again delayed. The new release date is scheduled for November 19, 2026.

This announcement is not the first time GTA 6 has been delayed this year. Back in May, Rockstar Games announced a delay to May 26, 2026 before dropping a flashy new trailer for the game just a few days later. In the months since, fans have heard little from Rockstar Games about the status of GTA 6. Unfortunately, this latest communication means we're now over a full calendar year away from the release once more.

Rockstar Games released a statement about the delay on their social media channels explaining the reasoning behind the decision. According to Rockstar Games, "these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve."

In addition to the social media posts, Rockstar Games released a slightly longer statement explaining the delay to November 19, 2026 on their website. Here's the explanation in full:

Hi everyone,

Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on Thursday, November 19, 2026.

We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.

We want to thank you again for your patience and support. While the wait is a little longer, we are incredibly excited for players to experience the sprawling state of Leonida and a return to modern day Vice City.

Sincerely, Rockstar Games

While the news is certainly a bummer, hopefully this time will allow Rockstar Games to polish GTA 6 to perfection upon its release in a little over a year from now.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why GTA 6 was delayed again by Rockstar Games

Reporting by Mary Clarke, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect