Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games, recently shed light on the development timeline for Grand Theft Auto VI, revealing that serious work on the game started in 2020. This followed the release of Red Dead Redemption II in 2018. The phrase “in earnest” used by Take-Two suggests that 2020 marked the beginning of full-scale production, likely after earlier conceptual or small-team efforts. In game development, it’s common for initial planning to precede a larger, focused push.
The Long Journey of GTA V and Its Impact
Grand Theft Auto V, launched in September 2013 for PS3 and Xbox 360, has been a cornerstone for Rockstar. The game expanded significantly over time, particularly through its highly successful GTA Online mode, which gained new content and features regularly. Rockstar brought GTA V to PS4 and Xbox One in November 2014, to PC in April 2015, and to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2022. With over 215 million copies sold, GTA V’s enduring popularity has kept Rockstar’s teams busy, likely influencing the timing of GTA 6’s development.
Collaborative Efforts Across Rockstar Studios
For more than a decade, Rockstar’s global studios have worked together on major projects, a collaborative approach that likely applies to GTA 6. This unified effort ensures that the game benefits from the expertise of teams worldwide, contributing to its ambitious scope.
GTA 6’s Grand Ambitions and Delay
Take-Two highlighted that GTA 6 surpasses the ambition and complexity of any previous Rockstar title. During a recent earnings briefing, Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, explained that the game’s release was pushed from Fall 2025 to May 2026 to allow extra time for polishing. He emphasized that this additional period would help Rockstar achieve its creative vision without compromise, prioritizing perfection over a rushed launch. Zelnick acknowledged that delays are challenging but necessary to support the team’s pursuit of excellence.
GTA Online as a Frequent Content Source
Addressing the long gap since GTA V, Zelnick told a gaming business outlet that Rockstar has effectively delivered new Grand Theft Auto experiences multiple times a year through GTA Online. He noted that some of the game’s robust updates would have been considered standalone titles 15 years ago. This approach also applies to Red Dead Online, which, along with GTA Online, has performed beyond expectations in recent quarters, keeping fans engaged while they await GTA 6.
What’s Next for Rockstar and GTA 6
Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on May 26, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Beyond GTA 6, reports suggest Rockstar is preparing to bring Red Dead Redemption II to the Nintendo Switch 2, expanding its reach to new platforms. As anticipation builds, Rockstar’s focus on quality and innovation continues to drive its projects forward.