GTA VI Delayed Again: But It's Not the Longest Wait in Gaming History

Gamers have been counting down for Grand Theft Auto VI for over a decade.
And now, they'll be waiting even longer.

Rockstar Games has officially postponed GTA VI to November 19, 2026, pushing it back from the earlier May 2026 window.

The internet is already flooded with frustration and memes, but here's the thing: GTA VI isn't even close to being the most delayed game ever made.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at the Top 10 Most Delayed Games of All Time, ranked by total time between first announcement (or project start) and final release.

Some of these waits make GTA VI look fast.

1. Clockwork Aquario: 28 Years (Guinness World Record)

Yes, 28 years.

This arcade title by Westone Bit Entertainment began development in the early 1990s before being canceled and lost. Nearly three decades later, Clockwork Aquario finally launched on November 30, 2021 in Japan and Europe, and December 14, 2021 worldwide.

It holds the Guinness World Record for the Longest Time Between a Video Game Project Start and Final Release (28 years, 81 days).

2. Duke Nukem Forever: 14 Years, 43 Days (Guinness World Record)

Announced in April 1997, Duke Nukem Forever became the ultimate symbol of development hell.

After endless engine swaps, studio closures, and restarts, it finally hit shelves on June 10, 2011, taking 14 years and 43 days to complete. It earned a Guinness World Record for Most Protracted Game Development.

The reviews were mixed, but its release remains one of gaming’s greatest miracles.

3. Beyond Good & Evil 2: 17 Years (and counting)

First teased in 2008, then re-revealed in 2017, Ubisoft’s long-promised prequel is still unreleased as of 2025.

If it ever launches, it could break Clockwork Aquario’s record, making it the longest active game in development.

4. Metroid Dread: 16 Years

Originally conceived in 2005 for the Nintendo DS, Metroid Dread faced multiple cancellations due to hardware limitations.

After being shelved twice, it finally emerged in 2021 on the Nintendo Switch, 16 years after its first concept pitch.
A triumphant return that proved patience can pay off.

5. Star Citizen: 12+ Years (Still in Development)

Announced in 2012, Star Citizen has raised over $700 million through crowdfunding, making it one of the most expensive games ever made.

Despite a playable alpha version, the full release is still pending. At this rate, it might outlast a few console generations.

6. Diablo III: 11 Years

Development began around 2000, soon after Diablo II.

After several redesigns, Diablo III launched in 2012, breaking sales records worldwide and proving that a decade of work can still deliver massive success.

7. Final Fantasy XV: 10 Years

This one began as Final Fantasy Versus XIII in 2006 before Square Enix rebooted it completely.

Ten years later, Final Fantasy XV finally released in 2016, blending cinematic storytelling with real-time combat.
The wait was painful, but the payoff was worth it.

8. The Last Guardian: 9 Years

From the creators of Shadow of the Colossus, this emotional adventure was first revealed in 2007 and then disappeared for years.

After nearly a decade of silence, The Last Guardian launched in 2016, delivering a deeply moving story about trust, love, and patience.

9. Team Fortress 2: 9 Years

Valve revealed Team Fortress 2 in 1998, but it vanished until 2007.

When it returned, it had transformed from a realistic military shooter into the colorful, class-based multiplayer phenomenon we know today.

10. Alan Wake: 7 Years

First announced in 2005, Alan Wake went through several design overhauls before finally launching in 2012.

The psychological thriller became a cult classic and eventually inspired a sequel years later.

Honorable Mention: Grand Theft Auto VI: 13 Years (2013–2026)

If we count from GTA V’s release in 2013 to GTA VI’s expected launch in 2026, that’s a 13-year gap between mainline titles, one of the longest in AAA gaming history.

Given Rockstar’s history, when it finally arrives, it’s likely to redefine open-world storytelling again.

Why Do Big Games Take So Long?

Modern game development is no longer just coding.

It involves building cinematic worlds, creating AI-driven characters, and achieving movie-level realism, all while ensuring smooth performance across multiple platforms.

The bigger the ambition, the longer the journey.

The Bottom Line

From Clockwork Aquario’s 28-year resurrection to Duke Nukem Forever’s chaotic 14-year struggle, and now GTA VI’s extended wait, one thing remains true:

Great games take time. They’re built with patience, pain, and passion.

So yes, GTA VI is delayed again.
But looking at history, it’s in good company.

And maybe, when it finally arrives, it’ll be worth every second of the wait.