Rockstar Games has officially announced a new release date for Grand Theft Auto VI—November 19, 2026—prompting speculation on whether this extended development timeline places the game in the record books for the longest development period in video game history.
Despite the lengthy wait, GTA 6 does not yet claim the Guinness World Record for the most prolonged development. That title still belongs to Duke Nukem Forever, which took an incredible 14 years and 43 days to complete. Originally revealed on April 28, 1997, by 3D Realms, the game didn’t hit the shelves until June 10, 2011.
In contrast, Rockstar confirmed the development of a new GTA title in February 2022. Though rumors and leaks about the game circulated for years, this was the first official acknowledgment from the company. From that announcement to the November 2026 release, the game will have taken about 4 years and 9 months to develop—still far shorter than Duke Nukem Forever’s 14-year saga.
However, when considering the span since the release of GTA V in 2013, the gap between the two titles will stretch over 13 years. While this is a lengthy wait, it’s essential to differentiate between the time between game releases and actual development time.
Rockstar’s latest statement explains that the delay was necessary to ensure the game meets the high standards set by both fans and the legacy of the GTA franchise. The company has emphasized its commitment to delivering a polished experience, stating that the additional time will help ensure a game worthy of the franchise’s long-standing reputation.
While GTA 6 may have tested the patience of its fanbase, it still falls short of the record for the longest development time—at least for now.
