Squadron 42 Delayed to 2027 to Avoid Competing with GTA 6

By Shafiq Hassan Biplob, Senior Writer Published Aug 28, 2026, 3:59 PM UTC 2 min read

Release Brief Details verified Verified reporting

Squadron 42 Delayed to 2027 to Avoid Competing with GTA 6

Quick Facts

New Release Window: Q2 2027 (April–June)
GTA 6 Launch Date: November 19, 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S (GTA 6)

Cloud Imperium Games has officially pushed the release of its long-in-development single-player title, Squadron 42, to the second quarter of 2027. The project, which has been in development for over a decade, was previously tracking toward a 2026 release.

In a recent Letter from the Chairman, creator Chris Roberts cited the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI as the primary factor behind the scheduling change. Roberts noted that he does not intend to launch the game into the "attention buzz saw" of the Rockstar Games title, which is currently slated for November 19, 2026.

Strategic Scheduling

While Grand Theft Auto VI has only been confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the developer indicated that the anticipated industry-wide focus on the game would limit the media and player attention available for other major releases during that period. Consequently, the team moved the Squadron 42 launch window to April–June 2027 to ensure the title has more space to reach its audience.

Despite the broader delay, the developer plans to host limited early access sessions for a small group of original backers and content creators on October 9 and 10. The studio expects to provide more specific details regarding the project and a definitive release date following those sessions.