According to insider NateTheHate, selected media and reviewers may receive review copies or access to GTA 6 by the end of October. This timeline has not been officially confirmed, nor does it determine when each media outlet will begin experiencing the game.
Insider Gaming also reported that reviews for GTA 6 will be published before its November 19 release. The outlet stated it has learned of preliminary review embargo dates but has not disclosed specific dates due to potential adjustments close to launch. If NateTheHate's information is accurate, reviewers may have several weeks to experience the game; however, it remains unclear whether they will have access to the final build, a near-final version, or another form of access.
There are also questions about how the review copy will be delivered. A report from early 2026 claimed that Rockstar might not send digital codes or physical copies to reviewers as usual, but instead invite selected media to experience the game in a controlled environment to reduce the risk of leaks involving game files and plot details. Rockstar did not officially confirm this arrangement at the time, and it is currently unclear whether these plans have changed.
Therefore, the mention of a "review copy" in recent news does not necessarily mean that media outlets can hold their own copies of the game. The current release schedule has GTA 6 launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19.