Image by Jukoff, from GoodFon
Grand Theft Auto VI Delayed To May 2026
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Rockstar Games has delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 2026, sparking frustration among fans after a 12-year wait.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- GTA VI release date moved to May 26, 2026.
- Game was originally expected to launch in late 2025.
- Trailer features first female protagonist, Lucia.
Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will now launch on May 26, 2026, pushing the release nearly two years beyond fans’ expectations. The game was originally scheduled for late 2025, but the studio says more time is needed to meet player expectations.
“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” Rockstar said in a statement . “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
The delay caused significant disappointment among fans who had been waiting twelve years since GTA V became the second highest-selling game in history. The December 2023 trailer provided GTA VI fans with their first look at the Florida-based setting while introducing Lucia as the franchise’s inaugural playable female protagonist, as noted by the BBC .
Set to Tom Petty’s “Love Is A Long Road,” the trailer shows Lucia being released from prison before joining her partner for a heist, fueling rumors of a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style storyline. It has been watched over 250 million times, as noted by France24 .
The perfectionist reputation of Rockstar Games alongside previous title delays, including Red Dead Redemption 2, has not satisfied many fans who are growing impatient, as noted by the BBC.
“I’m absolutely furious right now,” said Dienne Kawende, a 27-year-old fan, as reported by the BBC. “I literally got a job just to save up to get a PlayStation 5. It’s all ruined now,” Dienne added.
The BBC reports that GTA VI will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, leaving older console owners behind.
Despite controversies over its violent content, the GTA series remains a cultural giant. With game studios facing mass layoffs lately, many in the industry were hoping the new GTA release would revive interest in gaming.
Image by Florian Schmetz, from Unsplash
Texas Moves to Ban Social Media Accounts for Under 18s
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Texas lawmakers approved a bill banning social media for minors, citing rising youth mental health issues and data concerns from online platforms.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Bill requires strict age verification for social media users.
- Parents can request platforms delete their child’s account within 10 days.
- ACLU argues the law is unconstitutional and restricts free speech.
Texas lawmakers have taken a big step toward banning minors from social media. On Tuesday, the Texas House passed House Bill 186 in a 116-25 vote, which would stop anyone under 18 from creating social media accounts.
The bill, authored by Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), would also require platforms to verify users’ ages and delete personal data after verification.
“I firmly believe that social media is the most harmful product that our kids have legal access to in Texas,” Patterson said, as reported by KXAN . He argued the bill is needed to fight the growing mental health crisis among young people.
Patterson pointed to a 2022 study where a fake 13-year-old user was shown suicide content within three minutes and eating disorder content within eight. “It is our kids killing themselves at a clip that we’ve never seen before in the history of the state of Texas,” he said, as reported by KXAN.
He dedicated the bill to children who lost their lives due to social media harm, including David Molak, who died by suicide after online bullying. “I was very moved at [Patterson’s] thoughtfulness in remembering David,” said David’s mother, Maurine Molak, as reported by KXAN.
Still, some lawmakers and civil liberties advocates raised concerns. “What about the concern that this is helping these social media companies collect even more data on us?” asked Rep Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), as reported by KXAN. The ACLU also criticized the bill. “We believe this law is clearly unconstitutional,” said attorney Brian Klosterboer, pointing out that it would block all under-18s, even with parental permission, reported KXAN.
If passed by the Senate, companies would be forced to delete a child’s account within 10 days if requested by a parent. Another bill requiring social media warning labels for minors also passed on the same day.
“The harms we are seeing in today’s children will only be exacerbated if steps are not taken,” Patterson warned, as reported by The Texas Tribune .
