GTA 6 Release Date Update Officially Drops, Claim Your Sick Days Now

We are rapidly closing in on the November release date for Grand Theft Auto VI, and we are technically closer to playing the game than we have ever been before, given the two previous delays. That means these next few months are absolutely crucial if we are to stick to the current schedule, with most expecting another trailer in the next month or so if all is going well.

The next thing to look out for if you’re following proceedings closely is the Take-Two earnings call on May 21, with both previous delays coming in and around conference calls with investors. If we make it through that unscathed, then the game should be all set to come out at the third time of asking. That said, we have just received an update from Take-Two’s leadership that should come as a major relief for fans the world over.

Over on Twitter/X, the user GameRoll shared an update on Take-Two Interactive’s CEO Strauss Zelnick’s appearance at today’s Iicon executive panel, citing a report from IGN. In it, Zelnick made the passing comment that “a lot of people will be calling in sick on November 19.”

That’s obviously very good news because if anyone is going to know about a potential delay at this point, then it’s likely to be Zelnick. Given that he expects everyone to be taking GTA VI’s currently scheduled release date off, it likely means we’re in solid shape to stick to the current plan.

The comments were filled with responses from players who were delighted at the prospect of GTA VI finally being playable, with one saying, “Holy. The fact that he mentioned the date in that joke… I’m starting to believe it’s locked in.”

“This statement is bigger news than him stating that marketing will start “soon.” Soon could be next month or 6 months, while here he is re-confirming the release date,” another added.

“Prediction: On November 19, everyone takes the day off, including the people who keep the electricity running. So when everyone tries to play GTA VI, nothing even powers on,” a third said, jokingly.

It really is a huge few months for the millions of fans waiting in the wings to try GTA VI for the first time, and the Christmas period really could be a very memorable one if everything sticks to the current plan. If it does get delayed again, it’s difficult to overstate just how disappointed the community will be, so let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

Released

November 19, 2026

ESRB

Rating Pending – Likely Mature 17+

Engine

Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE)

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer