After weeks of false alarms, fans hoping for GTA 6 pre‑orders and a third trailer will need to wait a little longer. Take‑Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has confirmed that the game’s marketing campaign will not begin until “summertime” – which, for Rockstar, means late June. That means no major announcements at the upcoming PlayStation State of Play, Summer Game Fest, or Xbox Showcase in early June.
What Zelnick Said
During the post‑earnings call Q&A on May 21, Zelnick reiterated what he had said earlier: marketing for GTA VI will ramp up in the summer. When pressed for more specifics, he added, “So in the next few weeks, I don’t think it’ll be summertime yet, but when it’s summertime, Rockstar expects to start marketing GTA VI.”
The first day of summer is June 21. Zelnick’s phrasing (“a few weeks”) suggests that the campaign will kick off around late June, possibly in the final week of the month. That rules out any major GTA VI presence at the early June showcases:
- State of Play – June 2
- Summer Game Fest – June 5
- Xbox Showcase – June 7
Why This Is Actually Good News
While the delay is disappointing, there is a silver lining. The early June events will now have space to breathe without being overshadowed by GTA VI’s massive hype. Other games – from Marvel’s Wolverine to Hogwarts Legacy 2 (rumored) – can get their moment in the sun.
Moreover, Zelnick’s comments reaffirm that the November 19 release date is locked in. No third delay is coming. The marketing delay is simply about timing, not a sign of trouble.
What to Expect in Late June
When the campaign finally begins, we should expect:
- Trailer 3 – likely a gameplay showcase.
- Pre‑orders opening immediately on digital storefronts.
- Editions – rumors point to six versions, including a Collector’s Edition and PlayStation 5 bundles.
- Pricing – standard edition at $69.99, with premium tiers likely higher.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Pre-Orders Set To Arrive Today As PS5 Store Updates Early
- GTA 6 Vehicle List: All New and Returning Cars, Bikes, Boats, and Planes Confirmed So Far
- GTA 6 Marketing to Kick Off This Summer – Trailer 3 and Pre-Orders Incoming
Relax and Unwind
For now, fans can stop checking Rockstar’s social media every hour. The next few weeks are quiet. Summer will arrive, and with it, the final countdown to Vice City. Mark your calendars for late June – and breathe easy.
Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC version is expected later.