After numerous delays, new GTA 6 pre-order leaks suggest November release date finally locked in, and further delays unlikely

After two delays, it looks like Grand Theft Auto 6 is finally entering the home straight. If newly leaked pre-order details are any indication, it seems developer Rockstar is feeling pretty certain about GTA 6's November release date.

Emails reportedly sent out to Best Buy affiliates have started popping up online, seemingly revealing the long-awaited sequel's pre-order campaign begins Monday, 18th May. If this date does prove accurate it would suggest GTA 6's most recent 19th November release date is now locked in, quelling any fears of further delays.

GTA 6 was once set to release in autumn 2025. However, in May of last year Rockstar announced it was moving the launch to 26th May 2026. Alas, this date didn't stick either, and in November, Rockstar announced it was delaying GTA 6's release once again. GTA 6 is currently scheduled to launch for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 on 19th November, almost exactly five months after today's reported pre-order date.

Eurogamer has contacted Rockstar to verify today's report.

Today's report follows confirmation PlayStation has a marketing deal in place with Grand Theft Auto 6's publisher Take-Two, with Sony recently urging PS4 users to upgrade to a PS5 to be able to experience the game on its release. The timing of Sony's message further suggests Rockstar is now gearing up to promote the next GTA in earnest. The most recent trailer for GTA 6 was released over a year ago, so fans are also hopeful a third trailer may be released soon.

GTA 6's development has reportedly cost between $1bn and $1.5bn. Take-Two's boss Strauss Zelnick has admitted the game has been "expensive", though he has not confirmed just how expensive. In April, Zelnick also discussed GTA 6's retail price, and while he didn't give us that all-important figure, he stressed the company's "job is to charge way, way, way less of the value delivery". Early last year, a report suggested GTA 6 could retail for $100.

Elsewhere, Rockstar is facing pressure from MPs and the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) to be more transparent about its actions following the firing of staff members in a move seen by many as 'union busting' in October last year.