Yesterday, May 18, came and went without the long‑anticipated opening of GTA 6 pre‑orders. A Best Buy email had suggested a May 18–21 window, but an internal error has since been reported. Investors saw Take‑Two stock dip, and fans are left waiting just a little longer. Yet the broader journey to Vice City has been filled with milestones, delays, and record‑breaking moments. Here is the complete timeline of GTA 6 from its first confirmation to the eve of pre‑orders.
February 2022 – The First Confirmation
After years of speculation, Rockstar Games officially announced that active development had begun on the next Grand Theft Auto. The tweet read: “With every new project, our goal is always to significantly move beyond what we’ve previously delivered. We’re pleased to confirm that active development for the next entry in the series is underway.”
November 2023 – The First Trailer Teased
Rockstar broke the internet by confirming that the first trailer would arrive in “early December.” Sam Houser wrote: “We look forward to many more years of sharing these experiences with all of you.”
December 2023 – Trailer Leaks, Then Officially Drops
The first trailer leaked a day early, prompting Rockstar to release it immediately. It shattered YouTube records, introducing the world to Lucia and a modern Vice City.
Spring 2025 – The Hidden Original Date
Only recently did Take‑Two CEO Strauss Zelnick reveal that GTA 6 was originally targeting a May 2025 release – internally. The public was told “Fall 2025,” meaning a quiet internal delay had already occurred before any official announcement.
May 2025 – First Public Delay and Trailer 2
On May 2, 2025, Rockstar announced that the game would miss its fall window, moving to May 26, 2026. The same day, Trailer 2 debuted, introducing second protagonist Jason and dozens of new screenshots.
November 2025 – Second Public Delay
On November 6, 2025, Rockstar pushed the release to November 19, 2026. The statement emphasized the need for polish: “These extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect.”
2026 – Radio Silence and Marketing Promises
Throughout early 2026, Rockstar remained mostly silent. Take‑Two executives repeatedly confirmed the November 19 date, and CEO Strauss Zelnick let slip that the game had already absorbed a third (internal) delay, bringing the total schedule shift to 18 months. Marketing was promised to begin “this summer.”
May 2026 – Pre-Order False Start
A Best Buy affiliate email set a May 18–21 window for pre‑order commissions, leading fans to believe pre‑orders would open on the 18th. The day passed without action, and a Best Buy employee later cited an internal error. However, the PlayStation Store has added placeholder filters (“Editions,” “Sort By”), and Xbox listings have been fluctuating – clear signs that preparation is underway.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Multiple Game Editions Leak For Pre-Order, Includes Collector’s Edition
- GTA 6 Pre-Order Date Surfaces In Best Buy Email Ahead of Trailer 3 Drop
- GTA 6’s Price Finally Surfaces At Retailer Ahead Of Official Reveal By Rockstar
What Comes Next
Take‑Two’s next earnings call is May 21. Historically, Rockstar has used these calls to drop major news. It is widely expected that Trailer 3 (a gameplay showcase) and pre‑orders will arrive either just before or during that event. Pricing is rumored to be the industry standard $69.99 / £69.99, with up to six editions – including a Collector’s Edition and two PS5 bundles.
The road has been long, but the end is in sight. Grand Theft Auto VI remains scheduled for November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Pre‑orders will open soon – probably within days. When they do, we will be ready to guide you through every option.