Grand Theft Auto 6, one of the most anticipated video game releases, has officially been postponed to May 2026. Originally scheduled for later this year, developer Rockstar Games announced the delay to ensure the game meets fans’ high expectations for quality.

The fifth installment in the series, Grand Theft Auto V, remains a monumental success, being the second-best selling video game of all time and continuing to thrive due to its multiplayer mode.

Despite a trailer released in December 2023 that garnered over 100 million views, Rockstar has kept a lid on much of the game’s details. The teaser introduced two protagonists and provided a look at the fictional Florida-themed setting, named Leonida.

In Rockstar’s statement, they expressed gratitude for the overwhelming “interest and excitement” surrounding the game. However, the extended 12-year gap between releases has sparked a flurry of online memes and jokes about the wait.

The news of the delay has struck a chord with fans, such as 27-year-old Dienne Kawende, who expressed his frustration: “I’m absolutely furious right now. There’s fire flowing through my body right now,” he stated when discussing his feelings about the game’s postponement.

Adding to the impact, GTA 6 will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, forcing many gamers to upgrade their consoles. With recent price hikes from Sony and Microsoft, this adds more stress for players eagerly waiting for the release.

Dienne, who recently got a job specifically to save for a PlayStation 5, lamented, “It’s all ruined now.” He praised Rockstar for creating complex and enjoyable games but noted that the lengthy wait is becoming increasingly unbearable.

Reflecting on the years since GTA 5’s release, Dienne remarked, “I was a teenager then. I might start having kids soon, and I may not even have time to play GTA 6 when it comes out.” His story resonates with many in the gaming community.

With expectations that GTA 6 may shatter previous sales records, the gaming industry has felt the effect of studio closures and layoffs in recent years. Many had hoped a new Rockstar release would invigorate interest in gaming and console purchases.

However, the delay may lead other publishers to announce their games sooner than anticipated, potentially changing the landscape of upcoming video game releases.