Grand Theft Auto 6 Is About to Win an Award Just for Being Late

Despite going up against heavy hitters, GTA 6's chances remain as strong as ever. The entire industry is reportedly watching GTA 6 closely, making adjustments to their release schedules based on its release date. We already know that Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yotei, and The Outer Worlds 2 couldn't be more than happy to see GTA 6's initial delay.

Games slated to release in the second quarter of 2026 could be feeling similarly delighted that they won't have to contend with a game expected to make billions within its first week alone. However, the situation does raise question about The Game Awards' nomination criteria. Should there be limits on how many times an unreleased game can be nominated for the same category? Or does the sustained anticipation over multiple years justify repeated nominations?

After all, Rockstar could just easily delay GTA 6 again. If that happens, what then? Will we see GTA 6 go for the hat trick? Of course, this just proves just how much fans are dying to play the next Grand Theft Auto. The fact that a game can maintain such high levels of anticipation across multiple years, despite delays, speaks to the franchise's popularity.

The Game Awards ceremony will stream live on YouTube and Twitch channels starting at 4 PM PT on December 11. Beyond the awards themselves, the event typically features new game announcements and trailers, making it one of the most-watched gaming events of the year.