Rockstar Games has officially pushed the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) to May 26, 2026 — a delay that’s frustrating for fans but might carry more meaning than it seems. While the game was originally slated for fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the new date moves the launch back more than six months. That kind of delay isn’t unusual in game development, but announcing a specific day this far ahead definitely is. And it may not be just about scheduling.

There’s a strong chance that Rockstar picked May 26 for a reason. When you look back at certain events tied to that date, some connections start to make sense — especially if you're familiar with GTA’s legacy and the inspirations behind its latest entry.

GTA 6 New Release Date Explained

GTA 6 New Release Date

Grand Theft Auto 6 is now officially scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026—a shift from its original fall 2025 release window that has stirred both disappointment and curiosity among fans. While delays in the gaming industry are nothing new, Rockstar’s decision to lock in a specific date this far in advance is unusual and may hint at something more intentional. With over a decade of speculation, leaks, and anticipation leading up to the game’s reveal in December 2023, every detail surrounding GTA 6 is being closely analyzed—including its new release date. Interestingly, May 26 carries historical weight that could explain why Rockstar chose it, potentially linking the date to the legacy of Vice City voice actor Ray Liotta and infamous American outlaw Bonnie Parker.

GTA 6 Release Date Explained: Vice City Voice Actor Ray Liotta

A Possible Nod to Ray Liotta and Vice City

May 26 is the same day actor Ray Liotta passed away in 2022. Liotta, known for his roles in Goodfellas, Field of Dreams, and more, is a big name in both film and gaming circles thanks to his work in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. He voiced Tommy Vercetti, the first fully voiced protagonist in the series, and helped define a major turning point in how Rockstar told its stories. His performance is still considered one of the franchise’s most memorable, often praised for adding cinematic weight to Vice City's 1980s crime drama vibe.

Even though Vice City and GTA 6 don’t share the same storyline, they have a lot in common — namely, their setting. GTA 6 takes place in a modern-day version of Vice City, and fans have already picked up on visual and thematic nods to the earlier game. Releasing the new title on the anniversary of Liotta’s death could be Rockstar’s way of paying tribute to both the actor and the legacy of Vice City.

The Bonnie and Clyde Connection

May 26 also marks another moment in crime history — the funeral of Bonnie Parker. Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous Depression-era outlaws, were killed by law enforcement on May 23, 1934, and Parker was buried three days later. While the duo never showed up in a GTA game, their legacy might have helped shape GTA 6’s dual protagonists, Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval.

Lucia and Jason are a criminal couple who seem to be running jobs and breaking laws together, much like Bonnie and Clyde. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed a direct inspiration, but the parallels are hard to ignore. If the new characters were even partially influenced by the real-life duo, choosing May 26 as the release date could be a subtle nod to the story behind them — and another way Rockstar is building deeper meaning into the launch.

GTA 6 New Release Date Explained: Bonnie and Clyde

More Than Just a Delay?

Rockstar hasn’t made any public statements linking the release date to either Ray Liotta or Bonnie Parker. But the timing is specific enough — and symbolic enough — that it’s hard to imagine it’s random. For a studio known for its attention to detail and history of weaving cultural references into its games, this kind of move fits right in. Yes, the delay to 2026 is a disappointment for players who’ve been waiting over a decade for GTA 6.

The game was only officially revealed in December 2023, following years of leaks, rumors, and speculation. And while it’s coming to current-gen consoles first, there’s still no word on when (or if) a PC version will arrive. But if Rockstar is using the extra time to build something more meaningful — and to honor key figures tied to the franchise's roots — some fans might find the wait a little easier to accept. GTA 6 is now set to launch on May 26, 2026. Whether that date is symbolic, practical, or both, one thing’s for sure — it’ll be one of the most closely watched releases in gaming history.