{
  "verified_on": "2026-09-26",
  "policy": "Every item links its source. 'official' = Rockstar, Take-Two, or a platform holder said it. 'reported' = press coverage Rockstar has not confirmed itself. No leaks.",
  "items": [
    {
      "date": "2026-09-25",
      "status": "official",
      "headline": "GTA VI is the next Game Informer cover story",
      "summary": "Issue 382 runs a 14-page feature with 12 new screenshots. The digital issue goes live September 29.",
      "source_name": "Game Informer",
      "source_url": "https://gameinformer.com/cover-reveal/2026/09/25/cover-reveal-grand-theft-auto-vi"
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-09-24",
      "status": "official",
      "headline": "Rockstar opens pre-orders for The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection",
      "summary": "A limited collectible set sold on the Rockstar Store for $399.99. The game is not included.",
      "source_name": "Rockstar Newswire",
      "source_url": "https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/9k2a49ook82o57/pre-order-the-goodtime-state-vice-city-collection-now-while-supplies-l",
      "also": [
        { "name": "Gematsu", "url": "https://www.gematsu.com/2026/09/grand-theft-auto-vi-the-goodtime-state-vice-city-collection-collectible-set-announced" }
      ]
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-09-08",
      "status": "reported",
      "headline": "US unlock reported at midnight Eastern, so 9 p.m. Pacific on November 18",
      "summary": "Press reports based on PlayStation Store listings say the game goes live at midnight local time, with one US-wide time. Rockstar has not posted an exact unlock time.",
      "source_name": "Kotaku",
      "source_url": "https://kotaku.com/gta6-grand-theft-auto-6-launch-date-time-midnight-rockstar-2000732098",
      "also": [
        { "name": "NME", "url": "https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/grand-theft-auto-6-what-time-launch-worldwide-3967520" }
      ]
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-09-03",
      "status": "official",
      "headline": "Sony shows limited-edition GTA VI DualSense controllers",
      "summary": "Black and white designs, $84.99 each, out November 19. Pre-orders opened September 10.",
      "source_name": "PlayStation Blog",
      "source_url": "https://blog.playstation.com/2026/09/03/first-look-at-the-grand-theft-auto-vi-limited-edition-dualsense-wireless-controllers/"
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-08-27",
      "status": "official",
      "headline": "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look premieres",
      "summary": "Debuted on Netflix at 3 p.m. ET, then on Rockstar's YouTube channel and the GTA VI site at 9 p.m. ET.",
      "source_name": "Rockstar Newswire",
      "source_url": "https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/9k2kaa1o3297k9/grand-theft-auto-vi-an-extended-look"
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-06-24",
      "status": "official",
      "headline": "Pre-orders, pricing and bonuses announced",
      "summary": "Standard $79.99, Ultimate $99.99. Pre-orders opened June 25. Digital pre-orders can preload from November 12.",
      "source_name": "Take-Two Interactive",
      "source_url": "https://www.take2games.com/ir/news/rockstar-games-announces-pre-orders-grand-theft-auto-vi",
      "also": [
        { "name": "Rockstar Newswire", "url": "https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/5171972o3ak5oa/pre-order-grand-theft-auto-vi-on-june-25" }
      ]
    },
    {
      "date": "2025-11-06",
      "status": "official",
      "headline": "Launch moves to Thursday, November 19, 2026",
      "summary": "Rockstar moved the date from May 26, 2026 to give the team time to finish the game.",
      "source_name": "Rockstar Newswire",
      "source_url": "https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/ak3ak31a49a221/grand-theft-auto-vi-is-now-set-to-launch-november-19-2026"
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-09-26",
      "status": "unconfirmed",
      "headline": "No PC version has been announced",
      "summary": "Official platforms are PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Treat any PC release date you see as rumor.",
      "source_name": "Take-Two Interactive",
      "source_url": "https://www.take2games.com/ir/news/rockstar-games-announces-pre-orders-grand-theft-auto-vi"
    }
  ]
}