The Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) community is experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions following the revelation by Rockstar Games that the game’s launch is moving to May 26, 2026. Initially scheduled for fall 2025, this delay has provoked a variety of reactions, from frustration to guarded optimism. In a bid to make the blow feel less bitter, Rockstar had a second trailer out on May 6, 2025, with a sneak peek at Vice City and its heroes. Is this delay so Rockstar can avoid battling with titans like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 for Game of the Year, or is it just a way to perfect the game?

The GTA VI Delay – A Bitter Pill to Swallow

May 2, 2025, Rockstar Games left a brief notice on their website, officially announcing that GTA VI would not arrive until May 26, 2026. The developer apologized for the delay and attributed it to needing more time to create a game that was greater than anticipated. “We are incredibly sorry that this is later than you were hoping,” the announcement said, crediting the passion of the community. The delay, while not entirely unexpected given Rockstar’s history, was a bitter pill for fans who have waited over ten years since the 2013 release of GTA V.

The news was received with a prompt response on social media. On X, account @SynthPotato requested Rockstar if they remembered any other titles delayed by the delay. Reddit account u/kingcobra704 ranted, “Rockstar is f***ing around with us plain and simple. It’s been as long from GTA 5 to now as it was from Vice City to GTA 5.” Such feelings reflect understandable anger, along with the fact that no new screenshots or info were released along with the announcement.

But not all the responses were inadequate. There were a few fans with a more positive outlook, using comparisons to past Rockstar titles. One forum member on Reddit says, “RDR2 was twice delayed, and that’s what it took to create such a masterpiece. I have complete confidence in their capability.” This reflects part of the community that will settle for the time lost as long as quality is there. Most importantly, they have trust in Rockstar’s track record.

Why the Wait? What Rockstar’s Decision Reveals

The reason for the delay comes from Rockstar’s desire to steer clear of the crunch-driven development timelines of previous games. BlueSky, as reported by industry insider Jason Schreier, had long questioned the fall 2025 timeframe, citing massive work remaining. He underscored a shift in Rockstar’s culture, as management stressed less overtime across games like Red Dead Redemption 2. Though much to be applauded, such a focus on employee well-being has stretched the timeline out, impacting both investors and fans, as evidenced by a near 7% decline in Take-Two Interactive’s stock.

Also affected is the gaming business. Other game developers, not wanting to compete against GTA VI, had scheduled releases according to its projected 2025 release. The postponement gives opportunities to other titles like Borderlands 4 and Ghost of Yōtei. Still, it also leaves fans guessing at how much longer they would have to wait for a title that is already becoming a cultural phenomenon even before its release.

The Second Trailer: A Vice City Sighting

To soften the blow of the delay, Rockstar released the second GTA VI trailer on May 6, 2025. Logically, this is a strategic move to reignite hype. The entire trailer is shot in-game on a standard PlayStation 5. It provides glimpses of Vice City’s neon streets and introduces protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia. The nearly three-minute trailer interweaves gameplay and cutscenes. It depicts a narrative founded on a criminal conspiracy within the fictional state of Leonida. It has vibrant visuals, from sun-kissed beaches to city streets, and a soundtrack that includes the Pointer Sisters’ “Hot Together.”

The trailer set a record with more than 475 million views across platforms in 24 hours, surpassing Deadpool & Wolverine’s launch. Fans were quick to praise its technical excellence. YouTube commenter EleganceYT replied, “These are graphics legend. This is going to be a masterpiece.” Another commenter, RadicalEdward21, joked, “I didn’t live long enough to witness another trailer!“

Trailer in-engine shots, free of any pre-rendered sequences, was generally awed by, as commenter samdearborn3836 complimented the “nuance and detail” utilized in facial animation and lighting. Not everyone, though, reacted with such glaring flair. Some fans think that Trailer 2 lacked the fresh shock of the original. Beebom reported that Trailer 2 generated 74 million YouTube views in the first 24 hours. For reference, the first trailer was at 93 million. This shows a very slight dip in immediate buzz. On Reddit, angry_wombat grumbled over Jason’s cookie-cutter appearance, unfavorably comparing him with GTA V’s Trevor.

Community Reactions Are a Mixed Bag

The community reaction to both the delay and trailer is a mixed bag of emotions. There is frustration, especially from those who feel that Rockstar’s level of secrecy is pushing it too far.

An X post by @JerryWentRound quipped, “Hope I’m alive in 50 years when GTA 6 drops,” reflecting the exasperation of a fanbase that has spawned memes about events happening “before GTA 6.” The lack of interim updates, such as screenshots, fueled complaints, with GTA V speedrunner @DarkViperAU lamenting the “dry” announcement.

Conversely, the trailer has maintained hope for the majority of individuals. YouTube commenter DoctorER stated, “Dropping this makes the delay hurt a little less“. This captures the sentiment of fans who see the new content as a guarantee of quality. The trailer’s opulent description of Vice City, from its truck stops lined with malt liquor to the green Mount Kalaga, is hyping people on sites like GTAForums. Here, users dissect every frame for clues about gameplay and story.

Is the GTA VI Community Destined to End?

The key question is: how much delay can the GTA VI fan base tolerate? With release more than a year away, fans are in for a trial by endurance. The wait from GTA V, which sold 210 million units, has been arduous. Moreover, the delay adds a year to it. But Rockstar’s track record is something to look up to. GTA V went through several delays before it turned into a cultural phenomenon. Indicating that waiting may pay off with a game that will be worth the wait.

Furthermore, the second trailer has been a saving grace, providing fresh material to speculate and analyze. Redditors and X users speculate about hidden easter eggs. On the flip side, other X users propose theories about the conspiracy suggested by the trailer. This keeps members active even as they grapple with disillusionment.

Interestingly, the postponement has larger implications. Experts in the gaming industry say the absence of GTA VI in 2025 presents an opportunity for other games that can assist the launch of Nintendo’s Switch 2. To fans, however, there is a focus on Rockstar’s guarantee of a “groundbreaking blockbuster.” Obbe Vermeij, an ex-Rockstar technical director, gave some good news: “The good news is that they are clearly confident they are going to make May.“

Looking Ahead – Community Resilience

While the GTA VI community waits until May 26, 2026, their resilience can be felt. The energy that drove the first trailer to 93 million views in 24 hours persists, driven by the sun-kissed anarchy of Vice City. As the frustration persists, the faith of the community in Rockstar’s vision remains an unbreakable force. The second trailer serves as a reminder to fans of why they wait so long.

In the end, the GTA VI community’s endurance through this waiting period rests on whether they have faith in Rockstar’s history. While they pick apart trailer skeletons and argue over Jason’s voice acting, fans remain hopeful that the product will set the standard for open-world games. For the moment, they wait with an odd mix of frustration and anticipation. One thing is certain. The fans are eager to immerse themselves in Leonida’s neon streets when the day arrives.