The Long Wait for GTA 6: What We’ve Missed in 12 Years

LOS ANGELES, CA — Players of Grand Theft Auto 5 are counting down the months until the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, now set for May 26, 2026. With its predecessor launching in September 2013, the wait has been long, spanning over 12 years.

This lengthy timeframe is notable for its significant cultural shifts. Political landscapes have changed with three U.S. presidents — Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden — occupying the White House since GTA 5‘s debut. Trump was still a reality TV star when GTA 5 was released, but by 2026, he could be nearly 80 years old if he runs again.

The technological landscape has evolved too. When GTA 5 was launched, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One had not yet been released. Since then, we’ve transitioned to next-gen consoles — the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X — and witnessed innovations in gaming like VR headsets and handheld PCs.

Social media trends have also transformed. The popular app Vine was launched in 2013, coinciding with GTA 5, but it ceased operations in 2017. TikTok emerged in 2016, making its mark while waiting for news about the next installment in the iconic series.

Players who grew up with GTA 5 are now reaching adulthood. Many fans are experiencing what they describe as a ‘existential decay’ regarding video game releases, especially as they await a product that has become both anticipated and elusive.

Rockstar Games, the developer, confirmed GTA 6‘s release date earlier this year, after a delay from its planned 2025 launch. The confirmation came alongside a heartfelt message from the team expressing gratitude for the patience and enthusiasm of the fans.

Two trailers for GTA 6 have been released, teasing new locations and characters within the game’s setting, Leonida. Players are introduced to dual protagonists, Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, who are depicted as navigating a criminal conspiracy in a vibrant Vice City-like environment.

Despite the long wait, excitement remains high for what Rockstar will bring to the table, especially considering the innovations and storytelling potential that could redefine the series once again.

As the world readies for the intricate adventures within this new installment, developers have cited the necessity of adequate time to meet fans’ expectations. Rockstar’s commitment to quality has been steadfast, and fans hope this latest entry lives up to the high standard set by its predecessors.