GTA 6 Launch Update: After years of leaks, rumors, and mounting anticipation, Grand Theft Auto VI is officially on the horizon. Rockstar Games has finally confirmed that GTA 6 will launch in 2026, and it’s not just coming to consoles first — this time, players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC will get access simultaneously.

Rockstar’s parent company also confirmed development began back in 2020. While earlier whispers suggested a jaw-dropping $2 billion budget, the publisher clarified that figure is exaggerated — but even a $1 billion price tag would still make GTA 6 the most expensive video game ever made.

ALSO READ: iPhone 17 Air Battery Could Feature THIS New Tech: Game-Changer Or Is It Just Hype?

IGN has now confirmed that GTA 6’s development cost has indeed surpassed $1 billion, firmly placing it among the most expensive games in history. That massive investment reflects Rockstar’s ambition to raise the bar through innovation, depth, and sheer scale. Years of R&D, cutting-edge tech, a sprawling open world, and an enormous creative push are all part of what’s driving the cost. According to Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, the price tag is justified — the goal is to deliver an uncompromised vision that not only meets but exceeds expectations, setting a new benchmark for what a video game can be.

A Midnight Global Rollout

Mark your calendars: GTA 6 is going live at midnight local time on May 26, 2026. That means players worldwide will dive in the moment their clocks hit 12:00 AM — no waiting for staggered releases across regions.

In countries with multiple time zones, Rockstar is syncing the launch to the earliest one. So, in the U.S., the game goes live at midnight Eastern Time — giving West Coast players early access at 9:00 PM Pacific on May 25.

The Budget Buzz and 2022 Leak

Talk of GTA 6’s massive production budget picked up steam following the 2022 Rockstar breach. Around that time, a hacker claimed Rockstar was pouring $2 billion into the project. X user @vxunderground even posted screenshots from a private forum where the alleged leaker discussed the figure. While that number turned out to be inflated, Rockstar has acknowledged the game's unprecedented cost and scope.

New Faces Join the GTA Universe

The game isn’t just bringing back the chaos — it’s introducing fresh characters too. Alongside lead protagonists Jason and Lucia, players will meet a diverse lineup including Boobie Ike, Brian Heder, Cal Hampton, Dre’Quan Priest, Raul Bautista, and Real Dimez. Each character will bring their own flavor to the storyline, adding depth and dimension to GTA 6’s already rich world.

With a simultaneous global release, a cinematic new cast, and the weight of being Rockstar’s most ambitious title to date, GTA 6 is shaping up to be more than just a sequel — it’s set to be a landmark moment in gaming history.

ALSO READ: Google Gemini App Gets Powerful New Features: Everything Announced at I/O 2025