“Here we go again.”
That iconic line from the Grand Theft Auto series seemed to echo across the internet Thursday, as news broke of yet another delay for Grand Theft Auto 6.
Resignation, frustration, déjà vu – the emotions were palpable.
This marks the second time that developer Rockstar Games has announced a postponement for what is anticipated to be one of the most significant entertainment releases in history.
Known for their meticulous approach, Rockstar’s history of holding back titles until they meet the studio’s exacting standards meant the news wasn’t entirely unexpected.
However, the delay has reignited the question on millions of minds: what’s taking so long, and why?
Rockstar Games officially confirmed the development of GTA 6 in February 2022. The initial trailer, released nearly 18 months later, indicated a 2025 launch.
The trailer also introduced the game’s dual protagonists – Jason and Lucia – and the setting of Leonida, a fictionalized US state inspired by Florida.
Subsequently, Rockstar announced a revised launch date of May 26, 2026.
This sparked excitement among fans, particularly after some noted the date coincided with the funeral of Bonnie and Clyde.
The notorious outlaw couple is widely believed to have influenced the game’s lead characters, making the timing seem like a deliberate and fitting tribute.
Ultimately, however, this proved not to be. The game has now been pushed back further, with a new release date set for November 19, 2026.
Even a behemoth like Grand Theft Auto is not immune to the complexities affecting modern blockbuster video game development.
Development costs have risen, the process has become more intricate, and the intervals between major releases are expanding.
However, Rockstar faces some unique challenges.
First, the immense hype.
Both GTA 6 trailers have shattered YouTube viewership records, and the game consistently tops lists of the most highly anticipated releases.
Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two Interactive, has emphasized the need for each new Rockstar release to “wow” players.
Rockstar is renowned for pushing boundaries, a reputation solidified by their previous flagship title, the western epic Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR 2).
Released in 2018, RDR 2 is still considered a benchmark for open-world video games, recognized for its depth and meticulous attention to detail.
The studio’s impressive track record stems from its famously high standards, which, in turn, create even greater expectations for each subsequent release.
Rockstar appears to take maintaining this reputation seriously – both RDR 2 and 2013’s GTA 5 were delayed twice.
When questioned about the recent GTA 6 delay during a meeting with investors this week, Mr. Zelnick stated that the development team was “seeking perfection.”
Another contributing factor is the continued success of Rockstar’s existing titles.
GTA 5 remains the second best-selling game of all time, continuing to generate sales 13 years after its initial release.
According to the Entertainment Retail Association, it sold 730,000 copies in the UK alone last year, while RDR 2 sold 350,000 copies during the same period.
This placed both games in the top ten video game sales for 2024.
Then there’s GTA Online, the highly successful multiplayer mode that consistently ranks among the world’s most-played games each month.
It is credited with generating a substantial portion of the estimated $8.9 billion (£6.7 billion) in revenue the series has earned since the launch of GTA 5.
While its sequel is expected to be one of the most expensive video games ever made, Rockstar continues to profit from its established titles.
However, Take-Two acknowledged this week an anticipated decline in GTA Online’s player numbers.
Experts have previously stated to BBC Newsbeat that the ultimate success of GTA 6 hinges on its ability to attract current GTA Online players to its own online platform.
In the realm of GTA, nothing is guaranteed.
Rockstar has previously faced allegations of enforcing “crunch,” or mandatory overtime, on its employees to meet release dates and deadlines.
This practice, common among major game developers, has been widely criticized for forcing employees to sacrifice personal time and leading to burnout.
At the time, Rockstar stated that overtime was not mandatory and that they were consistently exploring ways to improve their working practices.
Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, who has published detailed accounts of RDR 2’s development, notes a “genuine desire” among studio management to avoid crunch during GTA 6’s development.
Earlier this week, 30 employees who were dismissed by Rockstar accused the company of attempting to prevent them from unionizing.
The company has denied these allegations, accusing the workers of gross misconduct by sharing confidential information – a claim refuted by the IWGB Game Workers’ union.
While the dismissals are unlikely to be directly related to the recent delay, the loss of experienced personnel could potentially impact the game’s development.
For now, most fans seem content to wait a little longer for what many anticipate will be the “game of the century.”
Whether their patience will be rewarded, or ultimately tested, remains in the hands of Rockstar.
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