Ex-Rockstar dev says GTA 6 can’t be delayed more and won’t miss November 2026 release

A former Rockstar Games dev doesn’t believe GTA 6 can afford yet another delay and will be release in November 2026, even if it’s not perfect by the developer’s high standards.

GTA 6 is finally scheduled to release on November 19 after a couple of public delays pushed it back from its original 2025 launch window.

The game, one of the most anticipated of all time, is set to break records and rumors are still swirling about how much it will cost upon release, with some believing it will retail for $100.

Regardless of how much it costs, though, Rockstar is seeking perfection, with its recent delay coming do the studio could release the game players “expect and deserve.”

While some reports suggest that the game is finished and the devs are simply adding additional polish, one former Rockstar dev feels differently, but expects that GTA 6 will release in November, whether it’s ready or not.

Former Rockstar dev explains why GTA 6 won’t miss November 2026 release

Speaking with Esports Insider, ex Rockstar Games and GTA 5 animator Mike York explained why the studio can’t afford another delay.

“If I know Rockstar Games, and I know the guys over there, one of the reasons for the delay in releasing GTA 6 is because they’re trying to make it look as best as it can possibly be,” he said. “They’re polishing stuff. I don’t think they’re completely finished with the game, given how much is on the line and how big everyone’s expectations are for it.”

Rockstar Games

According to York, Rockstar is trying to hit its extremely high expectations, and they may not have reached that point yet internally.

“I think the game will be released in November 2026 as it’s a good time for the game to come out for Rockstar for multiple reasons to sell video games. If you want to sell a big amount of video games then that’s the perfect time for GTA 6 to come out with it being a month before Christmas,” he added.

“Usually companies only delay these things once or twice when they need to, so I think it will come out around that time.”

Former GTA dev warns Rockstar not to delay VI again

Fans have, however, become wary of more delays. Recent firings at the studio have caused a series of controversies and one developer spoke anonymously, claiming there are fears that the dismissals will “affect us in making our project deadlines,” pointing to the possibility of more delays.

York is unconvinced that the VI will be delayed more and fans will be cruising around Vice City as Jason and Lucia in no time.

“We’ve been waiting so long for GTA 6 already that if there was to be another delay, people will probably stop caring about its release even more,” York warned.

“If Rockstar Games delay GTA 6 again then the hype around the game will die down almost completely. Right now, nobody is searching for GTA 6. Everyone knows there’s no news, there’s nothing to talk about… There’s a point to where you delay something so much that you start to make people angry.”

York pointed to comments from fans who have expressed frustration that they “don’t even care anymore” because they just get disappointed by delay after delay.

“People aren’t itching to find new details or a latest leak anymore, they’re over it. They are thinking, ‘it will come out when it comes out’, as they’re so burnt out from thinking it will come out soon and then it doesn’t… And then they’re like, ‘OK, whatever…’”

The game’s delay from May to November 2026 even sparked outrage inside the Polish parliament with one opposition party member using his floor time to call the postponement “a huge scandal.”

Only time will tell if Rockstar pulls the trigger on GTA 6 in the months ahead or if fans are once again hit with anger if the anticipated title is pushed back even more.