Eleven years in the making
The GTA 6 story so far
From a code name in 2015 to midnight on November 19, 2026. Development milestones, every reveal, both delays and the records, in order.
2015
2015 Development
Project Americas
Early work starts under the code name Project Americas, according to later reporting by Bloomberg.
Reported
2018
Oct Development
The whole studio turns to GTA
After Red Dead Redemption 2 ships, most of Rockstar's staff move onto the next Grand Theft Auto.
Reported
2020
2020 Development
Full production
Take-Two's CEO later said development began in earnest around 2020.
Reported
2022
Feb 4 Reveal
Rockstar confirms it
A short Newswire post confirms the next Grand Theft Auto is well underway. No name, no date.
OfficialJul Development
A female lead and Vice City
Bloomberg reports the game returns to a Vice City inspired setting with a Latina lead in a Bonnie and Clyde style duo.
Reported
2023
Nov 8 Reveal
Trailer promised for December
Sam Houser announces the first trailer is coming in early December, timed to Rockstar's 25th anniversary.
OfficialDec 4 Reveal
Trailer 1
Rockstar brings the premiere forward by about 15 hours. It introduces Lucia, Leonida and a 2025 release window.
90.4M YouTube views in 24 hours
OfficialDec Award
Three Guinness World Records
Most viewed video game reveal on YouTube in 24 hours, most liked game trailer in 24 hours, and most viewed non-music YouTube video in 24 hours.
Reported
2024
May 16 Development
Fall 2025 window
Take-Two narrows the release to fall 2025 in its earnings report.
OfficialDec 12 Award
Most Anticipated Game
GTA 6 wins Most Anticipated Game at The Game Awards 2024.
Official
2025
May 2 Delay
First delay: May 26, 2026
Rockstar moves the game out of 2025 and names a date for the first time, saying it needs more time to deliver the quality players expect.
OfficialMay 6 Reveal
Trailer 2 and the GTA VI website
Jason gets his proper introduction, and Rockstar's site opens with profiles of eight characters, six regions and dozens of screenshots.
475M views across platforms in 24 hours
OfficialNov 6 Delay
Second delay: November 19, 2026
Six more months. Rockstar apologises and says the extra time is needed to finish the game properly.
OfficialDec 11 Award
Most Anticipated, again
GTA 6 takes Most Anticipated Game at The Game Awards for the second year running.
Official
2026
Jun 18 Reveal
Cover art
Rockstar reveals the official cover art and sets pre-orders for June 25.
OfficialJun 25 Reveal
Pre-orders open
Standard and Ultimate Editions go on sale, with the Vintage Vice City Pack for anyone who buys before November 20.
OfficialAug 25 Tie-in
NBA 2K27 tie-in
NBA 2K27 teases a GTA VI themed season event.
ReportedAug 27 Reveal
An Extended Look on Netflix
A 26-minute in-game showcase premieres on Netflix, then reaches YouTube and Rockstar's site six hours later.
31.1M Netflix views in five days
OfficialSep 17 Tie-in
The Album
A 34-track original album with Atlantic Records is announced, with six singles out the same day.
OfficialSep 24 Tie-in
Vice City Collection
A limited collector's box themed on Leonida's TV mascot, Macca the Gator, goes up for pre-order.
OfficialSep 29 Reveal
Game Informer cover story
14 pages, Rockstar interviews and 12 new screenshots, covering hurricanes, wind and Leonida's wildlife.
ReportedOct 2 Tie-in
The Miami Heat become Vice City
The Heat announce they will play as Vice City on November 18, the night before launch.
ReportedNov 12 Launch
Pre-load and physical copies
Digital pre-orders can download the game, and boxed copies with a download code reach stores.
OfficialNov 19 Launch
Launch day
GTA 6 unlocks at midnight local time on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Official
Want the countdown? See the release date and unlock times, or watch every trailer.
Sources: Rockstar Newswire, Take-Two earnings reports, Bloomberg, Guinness World Records, Netflix, Game Informer, and community documentation including GTA Wiki. Summaries are our own.