Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI was initially set to launch on May 26th next year, but it has now been delayed once more, this time until the end of 2026. It’s been almost two years since the game’s announcement and over 12 years since the release of Grand Theft Auto V.

“Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on Thursday, November 19, 2026,” reads Rockstar Games’ statement on X. “We apologize for extending the wait that has already been extensive, but these extra months will enable us to complete the game to the standard of quality you expect and deserve.”

The highly anticipated game centers around a duo of romantically involved criminals, Jason and Lucia, set against Rockstar’s vibrant depictions of Miami, Vice City, and Leonida, a vast Florida-like state. Development has been ongoing at Rockstar North in Edinburgh since 2018, with contributions from the company’s other studios in New York and globally. The original target date was late 2025.

“GTA VI” is anticipated to rejuvenate the gaming industry, which has been experiencing a downturn following a surge during the coronavirus pandemic. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has amassed $8.6 billion in revenue since its 2013 release, as per the latest financial report from game publisher Take-Two. Rockstar’s last game, the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2, launched in 2018 and earned $725 million in its opening weekend.

Meanwhile, fans have been eagerly looking forward to Rockstar’s latest title for quite some time. Even by gaming industry standards, where blockbuster titles often take six years to develop, the wait of over 12 years for Grand Theft Auto VI is considered lengthy.