GTA 6 has been a very long time coming, and one of many largest questions in gaming proper now could be “When is GTA 6’s launch date?” To this point developer Rockstar has been tight-lipped on the matter, solely teasing a 2025 launch in its first GTA 6 trailer. However even that imprecise launch window might change as manufacturing woes might push it again to 2026, in keeping with the most recent rumors.
In accordance with a brand new Kotaku report, the studio’s present purpose is to launch GTA 6 in “early 2025,” as beforehand rumored, nevertheless it’s “turning into an increasing number of probably” {that a} delay will push it to late 2025 and even 2026, sources with information of the sport’s growth informed the outlet underneath the situation of anonymity. Sources say a Fall 2025 launch appears extra possible at this stage of growth, however delaying the sport till 2026 can also be being mentioned as a form of “fallback plan” or “emergency” possibility if wanted.
Whereas it is not precisely clear from the reporting why manufacturing is “falling behind” schedule, it is sufficient to have Rockstar management nervous about hitting its Spring 2025 launch window. This manufacturing setback is reportedly one of many major causes Rockstar issued its controversial return-to-office mandate as GTA 6’s growth enters the house stretch. Rockstar stated the choice was for productiveness and safety causes, in keeping with an inner e-mail to employees reviewed by Bloomberg.
The quick discover and drastic coverage shift reportedly caught many staff unexpectedly. In response to information of the mandate, which begins in April, builders on the sometimes secretive studio spoke out to Aftermath about considerations that Rockstar might bleed expertise at a important time if pissed off distant staff begin leaving. Others are nervous that Rockstar might backslide into the form of brutal crunch tradition it has been recognized for prior to now.
In fact, it is vital to take all this discuss of GTA 6’s launch with a grain of salt till Rockstar confirms something. Nonetheless, it’s rapidly turning into clear that GTA 6’s remaining yr or so of growth is shaping as much as be extra of a headache than Rockstar anticipated. It would not be the primary time, both; GTA 5 was famously set to launch in Spring 2013 earlier than being delayed till October of that very same yr. Its successor might very properly share the identical destiny.