GTA 6 is a simply monstrous game and the expectations for it are enormous. This is reflected internally, and there even seems to be chaos in the studios.
Since the release of its first trailer, the development of GTA 6, the latest installment of the famous Rockstar Games series, has been at the center of attention. This game arouses interest that goes beyond simple entertainment. Affecting aspects such as corporate culture, data security and the economics of the sector. All eyes are on this large-scale production. Even more so since rumors that its release could be postponed to 2026.
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GTA 6 causes concern
The Grand Theft Auto series, known for its satire of American society, is one of the most profitable and anticipated franchises in video game history. Its next installment, set in a fictional version of Miami, is eagerly anticipated by a global community of fans. The commercial success of the series is undeniable. The previous installment having sold more than 195 million units, ranking just behind Minecraft in terms of sales. So, the expectations around GTA 6 are immense. Both on the player and investor side of Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games.
However, the development of GTA 6 faces major challenges. Recently, a policy requiring employees to work from offices five days a week was introduced, breaking from the hybrid arrangement adopted by many companies since the pandemic. This decision, motivated by data security concerns following several leaks, including one in 2022, and the early disclosure of the game's trailer, impacted the morale of the development team. Remote working, previously considered an advantage for the continuity of development, is now seen as a major security vulnerability.
A complicated job
As explained Bloomberg, video game development is a complex and non-linear endeavor. Combining technological challenges with artistic creativity. GTA 6, involving thousands of people working on various aspects such as meteorological physics, actor performances or bug hunting, perfectly illustrates this complexity. Each team depends on the others, and the slightest setback can cause cascading delays.
The decision to limit remote working could itself lead to additional delays. Despite the intention of fostering productivity and collaboration in physics. This policy risks causing a reduction in staff and complicating coordination between teams spread across different time zones. Despite these obstacles, development of GTA 6 continues. Reflecting the tumultuous and often chaotic nature of video game creation. Indeed, the Bloomberg journalist asked someone at Rockstar last summer about the progress of the game, and the answer was a simple word: “chaos”. This highlights the considerable challenges developers face in making a game of such scale, full of unforeseen circumstances…
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An exaggeration in the delay?
For its part, speculation around a possible delay in the game's release led to a 5.2% drop in Take-Two Interactive's action. This commotion was partly sparked by a Kotaku article. Claiming that the game was at risk of being pushed back to 2026 due to delays in its development. However, this claim was quickly questioned by sources inside the project, as revealed InsiderGaming. Kotaku subsequently corrected its article three days later. Indicating that although an early 2025 release was considered at one point, this was no longer the current goal. The launch of GTA 6 would remain scheduled for 2025, but probably in the fall.
For Insider Gaming, the very idea of a delay seems disconnected from reality for those involved in the project. Rockstar Games continues development according to schedule. Even with a return-to-office policy, in an effort to meet the 2025 release date. To date, there is no indication that there is a delay in the game's development. As for an early 2025 release, it was never considered for the first months of the year. Still according to the very well-informed media.
Finally, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, in his Game On newsletter, pointed out that with 21 months to go before the planned release, it is impossible to predict future events with certainty. In summary, the release of GTA 6 in 2026 remains pure speculation for the moment. And everything seems to indicate internally that 2025 is still relevant. But as Bloomberg explains, the work on the game being enormous and the number of people on the project being significant, a delay is always possible.