In a recent earnings report, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, provided new insights into the development timeline of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. Contrary to what some fans may have assumed, the game is confirmed to have begun its serious development phase in 2020, following the release of Red Dead Redemption II in 2018. This timeline may shift expectations regarding the game's production and release schedule.
Take-Two's terminology is crucial in understanding the development timeline. When the company mentions that GTA VI began development "in earnest," it is likely referring to full production rather than its preliminary stages. In the gaming industry, it's common for smaller teams to initially outline projects before scaling up to a larger production team. This structured approach allows for more efficient development processes.
The GTA V franchise has significantly impacted the gaming landscape since its launch in September 2013 for PS3 and Xbox 360. Over the years, the game has evolved, receiving numerous updates and expansions that enriched the immensely popular GTA Online mode. Furthermore, Rockstar has continually adapted GTA V for newer platforms, releasing it on PS4 and Xbox One in November 2014, and on PC in April 2015. Most recently, versions for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S were released in 2022. Remarkably, GTA V has sold over 215 million copies worldwide, establishing itself as one of the best-selling video games of all time.
For over a decade, teams at Rockstar Games have collaborated globally on various projects, including GTA VI. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance the game's quality and depth, further raising the bar for what players expect from the next installment in the series. During the earnings call, Take-Two emphasized the ambition and complexity of GTA VI, stating that it surpasses any previous Rockstar release.
CEO Strauss Zelnick announced that the release of GTA VI has been postponed from Fall 2025 to May 2026. This delay is attributed to the need for additional polish, reflecting Rockstar's commitment to achieving perfection in their creative vision. Zelnick expressed his support for this approach, stating, "While of course, delays pain me--how could they not?--the most important thing to do is to support your teams in their search for perfection."
Addressing the long wait for GTA VI, Zelnick reassured fans that Rockstar has continuously delivered substantial content through GTA Online. He noted that the studio has essentially provided fans with what could be considered new releases multiple times each year. "Rockstar has been putting out a new Grand Theft Auto release a couple of times a year," he stated, further highlighting the robust updates that have kept players engaged.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of GTA VI on May 26, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, there are also reports of Rockstar bringing Red Dead Redemption 2 to the upcoming Switch 2. This move reflects the studio's ongoing dedication to expanding its game library and providing fans with exciting new experiences.
