The GTA 6 timeline: From 2013 to now—delays, drama, and why it’s taking forever

If patience were a sport, GTA fans would all have PhDs by now. It has been over a decade since GTA 5 rocked the gaming world in 2013, yet the streets of Los Santos are still crawling with players. Now, Rockstar is gearing up to deliver GTA 6, officially set for November 19, 2026. The wait has been excruciating, but the delays have only intensified fan obsession—everyone’s poring over trailers, decoding leaked footage, and even modding GTA 5 to explore the rumored GTA 6 map.

Delays, drama, and dates

Originally expected in 2025, then May 2026, GTA 6 has faced multiple delays. Rockstar insists the extra time is for “polish and perfection,” but exhausted fans have joked they’ll retire before the game drops. With Take-Two CEO noting the hype as 'astonishing,' these delays have only fueled speculation, conspiracy theories, and endless memes across social media. After 12 years, a little patience seems almost…mandatory.

Trailers that shook the internet

GTA 6 has already broken the internet twice with its trailers. The first teased the neon-lit streets of Vice City and introduced dual protagonists—Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval. The second trailer dug deeper, showing prison breaks, daring heists, and high-octane action that screamed “Bonnie and Clyde, 2026 edition.” Fans dissect every frame, theorize about the city’s secrets, and obsessively speculate about Easter eggs hidden in Leonida.

Meet the protagonists: Lucia and Jason

Jason Duval grew up in the drug-running underworld of the Leonida Keys, while Lucia Caminos just got out of prison, dreaming of a fresh start. Together, they navigate a criminal underworld where trust is everything, and betrayal can come from any corner. Their relationship promises drama, tension, and that perfect anti-hero vibe Rockstar is known for. For the first time in the series, players will experience a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style criminal duo with rich backstories and a dynamic bond.

The World of Leonida

GTA 6 is set in Leonida, a sprawling state inspired by Florida. From the neon-drenched streets of Vice City to the lush landscapes of Grassrivers, Ambrosia, and Mount Kalaga National Park, Rockstar promises a fully immersive open world. It's Miami nightlife meets the dangerous Florida Keys, with hidden adventures around every corner. The city is alive, buzzing with secrets, pop culture parodies, and social satire that GTA is famous for.

Supporting cast and criminal connections

The supporting cast is just as intriguing. There’s Cal Hampton, Jason’s paranoid friend; Boobie Ike, a Vice City mogul with a business empire; Dre’Quan Priest, music label owner; Bae-Luxe and Roxy, a musical duo; Raul Bautista, a seasoned bank robber; and Brian Heder, an old-school drug runner. Each character adds layers of intrigue, danger, and opportunities for wild gameplay twists. Rockstar’s roster ensures that GTA 6 won’t just be a city—it’ll be a living, breathing criminal ecosystem.

Platforms, performance, and PC mystery

GTA 6 will launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S only, with current-gen exclusivity at launch. PC fans might have to wait, as Rockstar prioritises console gameplay first. While next-gen graphics, improved ray tracing, and gameplay mechanics promise jaw-dropping visuals, there’s debate about frame rates and optimization. Regardless, the hype machine has already set expectations sky-high.

Leaks, hacks, and industry chaos

The path to release has been anything but smooth. Early footage leaks in 2022, courtesy of a hacker known as teapotuberhacker, revealed Vice City’s new look, in-progress character models, and gameplay tests. Rockstar was quick to shut it down, but the internet had already exploded. Some footage sparked confusion, others memes, but the leaks did little to dampen the growing hype. And then there were internal controversies: remote work was curtailed, some employees were let go, and unionisation efforts were met with protests outside Rockstar offices. All of it added layers to the saga of GTA 6—a game already infamous for suspense and spectacle before a single official release.

Rockstar’s promise: Polish over panic

Despite the chaos, Rockstar is keeping its focus on quality. Extra months in the schedule aren’t just excuses—they’re Rockstar-level perfectionism. Fans might groan, but the aim is to ensure GTA 6 delivers a sprawling, immersive, and polished world that lives up to over a decade of anticipation.