The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed again, with Rockstar Games now aiming for a May 2026 launch. This news adds to the growing anticipation among fans, who have already waited over a decade since GTA 5 released in 2013. As players eagerly await updates, a new revelation offers insight into just how long GTA 6 has been in development.
According to The Gamer, former Rockstar artist David O’Reilly recently spoke about the game’s development timeline in a YouTube video reacting to the latest trailer. O’Reilly revealed that he started working on GTA 6 in 2018, shortly after Red Dead Redemption 2 was completed and released. This means that the upcoming game has likely been in the works for at least eight years.
This is surprising for many, as Rockstar officially confirmed GTA 6 only in 2022. If O’Reilly’s statement is accurate, it suggests that planning and development quietly began years before the announcement. Now that the trailer has racked up nearly 107 million views, fans are more curious than ever.
By the time GTA 6 releases in 2026, it will mark a 13-year gap since the previous title. With such a long development period, expectations are sky-high. Fans are hoping for a massive open world, stunning visuals, immersive storytelling, and an improved multiplayer experience.
With one year left until release, Rockstar still has time to unveil more details about the game’s content, gameplay mechanics, and story. After waiting so long, players will be looking for a truly groundbreaking experience.