Rockstar Games has reportedly started sending Grand Theft Auto VI review codes to media outlets, which would put the first verdicts online on 18 November, a day before the game’s launch. The claim comes from leaker NateTheHate, and Notebookcheck’s report puts the head start at just over three weeks for anyone holding a code. Neither Rockstar nor Take-Two has commented.
In a post on X on 26 October, NateTheHate2 wrote that Rockstar had begun distributing review code to media outlets, with the embargo on 18 November.
The date has some backing. Insider Gaming says it can independently verify the reports that GTA 6 reviews go out on 18 November. The same outlet adds that review copies allegedly went out at the end of October, leaving code holders a three-to-four-week turnaround. That’s a looser estimate than Notebookcheck’s, and the exact length depends on when each outlet received its copy. Meanwhile, Rockstar hasn’t publicly confirmed that codes are being distributed, and hasn’t announced an embargo date.
What we know about the timing
The launch itself is firm. GTA 6 arrives on 19 November 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and a PC version hasn’t been announced. A review embargo lifting one day earlier fits with how tightly Rockstar has controlled the game, and it means the first critical scores would arrive before most players can start.
No time of day has been confirmed. A separate report attributed to BlackBate, relayed by Gizbot, claims the window runs 6-7am EST on 18 November (12:01-1:01pm CET). If that holds, it would land at roughly 3-4pm in the UAE and 2-3pm in Saudi Arabia on the same day. That report also says some websites and YouTube channels may have to wait until 19 November.
Spoiler risk grows as codes spread
Wider distribution raises the odds of leaks. Notebookcheck previously reported that YouTuber Shirrako, who has repeatedly revealed game endings before or on release dates, may have received a code. Notebookcheck also notes that New Zealand gets access first, so players elsewhere could run into spoilers a few hours before their own launch.
The leak trail hasn’t been quiet either. Notebookcheck says leaker CyberLeek has supplied gameplay clips, official and unofficial, and that a launch trailer arrived a couple of weeks ago. Whether a third trailer is still coming remains unknown.
What it means for GTA fans in the Gulf
For players in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the practical window is short. Pre-orders unlock pre-loading from 12 November, and Rockstar’s Vintage Vice City Pack, a cosmetic bundle, goes to players who buy before 20 November. If the embargo holds, reviews would land inside that bonus window, so you can read verdicts before committing without losing the extra items.
Rockstar’s confirmed US prices are USD 80 for the Standard Edition and USD 100 for the Ultimate Edition. We haven’t found AED store pricing, so check the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store in your country before buying.
When will GTA 6 reviews go live?
The reported embargo date is 18 November, a day before the 19 November launch. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed it, and the exact time of day is also unconfirmed, with one report pointing to 6-7am EST.
Has Rockstar confirmed that review codes have gone out?
No. The claim comes from NateTheHate, and Insider Gaming says it has verified the embargo date independently. Neither Rockstar nor Take-Two has made a statement.
Should I pre-order GTA 6 or wait for reviews?
Pre-loading starts 12 November for pre-orders, and the Vintage Vice City Pack runs until 20 November. If reviews land on 18 November as reported, you could read them and still claim the bonus, but that depends on the embargo holding.
