Rockstar Games confirms GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game returns to Vice City with expanded maps, dual protagonists, and enhanced gameplay features, promising a groundbreaking next-gen open-world experience.
**Rockstar Confirms May 2026 Launch for GTA 6, Reveals New Details on Setting, Characters, and Gameplay**
**New York** — Rockstar Games has officially announced that *Grand Theft Auto VI* (GTA 6), one of the most highly anticipated video games of the decade, will be released on **May 26, 2026** for **PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S** consoles. The launch represents a delay from an earlier projected 2025 release, with the developer citing a commitment to quality and refinement.
The announcement was accompanied by the release of a second official trailer on May 6, 2025, offering a deeper look at the game’s setting, characters, and features.
### Return to Vice City, Expanded Map
GTA 6 marks a return to **Vice City**, Rockstar’s fictional take on Miami. The upcoming title promises a significantly larger and more diverse open-world environment than its predecessor, GTA 5. Leaked footage and trailers suggest that the map will include not only Vice City but also surrounding regions such as the **Everglades** and the **Florida Keys**, including a new area called the **“Gator Keys”**, which had been previously referenced in the series but never featured.
Fans have been reconstructing potential map layouts using coordinates and landmarks spotted in the footage, pointing toward a richly detailed and dynamic world.
### Dual Protagonists, Grounded Narrative
For the first time since *Grand Theft Auto V*, Rockstar is returning to a multiple-character format. GTA 6 will feature **two protagonists**: **Jason and Lucia**, a duo central to the game’s narrative, which intertwines familiar Vice City locales with new storytelling layers.
The characters were introduced in the game’s trailers and on Rockstar’s official website, suggesting a story influenced by modern American culture, crime, and survival.
### Gameplay Evolution
GTA 6 aims to push the boundaries of open-world gameplay. According to early gameplay footage and insider reports, new mechanics will include:
* Advanced **stealth features** such as crawling and body-carrying
* A refined **weapon wheel** and inventory system
* Improved **AI**, particularly in police response behavior
* Return of the classic **Five-Star Wanted system**, now enhanced
* Expanded **vehicle customization**, including adjustable seats and wheels
* Realistic **movement mechanics**, including crouching, face-covering to avoid headshots, and enhanced cover systems
These features signal a deeper and more immersive gameplay experience, aligning with Rockstar’s vision of “creative freedom” and next-generation realism.
### Development Steady Despite Leaks, Industry Challenges
Despite suffering a major development leak in early 2023, Rockstar stated that the breach would not impact the timeline or security of the project. The company has reallocated resources from other titles to focus squarely on GTA 6 and says it remains committed to delivering an “experience that exceeds expectations.”
Notably, GTA 6 is unaffected by the recent voice actor strike that disrupted other titles across the industry. This exemption has allowed the development to progress without further delays.
### Industry Impact and Pricing Speculation
GTA 6 is poised to be one of the most commercially significant video game launches in recent history. Analysts predict the title could set new sales records, building on the success of GTA 5, which sold over 185 million copies.
Speculation is mounting over the game’s pricing, with some industry experts predicting a **\$100 price point**, potentially setting a new standard for premium game releases. Neither Rockstar Games nor parent company Take-Two Interactive has confirmed pricing details.
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**Summary:**
GTA 6 is on track for a **May 26, 2026** release, featuring a sprawling Vice City-inspired map, dual protagonists Jason and Lucia, and revamped gameplay mechanics. Rockstar Games remains focused on quality and innovation, promising a next-gen experience that could redefine the open-world genre.
*Reporting by TechCept Staff*