The eagerly awaited release of Grand Theft Auto VI has hit another snag, leaving fans on tenterhooks as they face an extended wait for what is possibly the most anticipated video game in recent memory.

Originally, Rockstar Games had set December 2023 as the moment to unveil their latest project, promising gamers the thrill of GTA VI by 2025. This announcement set the gaming world abuzz, fueling excitement and speculation about what the new installment would bring.

Earlier this year, the developers broke the news that the release would be postponed to May of the following year, a disappointment to many. Now, in a fresh update, Rockstar has confirmed yet another delay, setting the new release date for November 2026.

In a statement released this morning, Rockstar Games shared, “We are writing to let everyone know that Grand Theft Auto VI will now be available on Thursday, November 19, 2026.”

The company acknowledged the frustration this news might cause, stating, “We are genuinely sorry for extending what has already been a lengthy wait. These additional months are crucial for us to deliver a game polished to the high standards you expect and deserve.”

Rockstar concluded with gratitude, saying, “Thank you once again for your patience and unwavering support.”

The predecessor to the hotly anticipated title, GTA V, was enormously successful on its release in September 2013, breaking all kinds of records as it racked up more than $US1 billion in sales in its first three days.

However, assuming the latest release date proves accurate, fans are now faced with the prospect of having to wait more than 13 years for its sequel – which will be the eighth main instalment of the popular Grand Theft Auto series – to land.

Official announcements about GTA VI have been eagerly devoured by fans, with the two trailers for the game to date racking up a combined 405 million views on YouTube.

Following the announcement this morning, shares in Rockstar’s parent company, Take Two Interactive, plunged up to 18 per cent in after-hours trading, despite the NASDAQ-listed business also posting better-than-expected quarterly earnings figures.

The company has since pared back a good portion of those losses, although, as of 2.30pm (AEDT), shares are still down about 6 per cent.