Grand Theft Auto VI is probably one of the most anticipated games in history. Millions of players around the world are waiting for information or screenshots of the upcoming open-world crime simulator. However, as remote workers struggle with an unwanted return-to-work order from Rockstar Games, My city has learned from sources with knowledge of the game’s development process that GTA 6 could miss its 2025 release window and slip into 2026.
Officially presented in December 2023 (after a massive leak in 2022) GTA 6 is the eagerly awaited successor to 2013 GTA V. Over a decade after that game’s release – and its massive, still-growing sales – Rockstar Games is hard at work on the sequel, set in Vice City, a fictionalized version of Miami, Florida. The game is set to release on PS5 and Xbox Series sometime in 2025, and internally that’s still the plan. My city According to sources familiar with the situation, the current target is “early 2025”.
However, My city has also learned that it is increasingly likely that the sequel will not be released until the end of 2025. It is also possible that it will even be pushed back to 2026 as production is reportedly lagging.
In February, after numerous leaks, Bloomberg reported that Rockstar Games ordered its employees to return to work in the office five days a week starting in April. The short-term and drastic change caught many by surprise and led to frustration among employees who felt like they were being pushed out after working remotely. as reported by aftermath on March 19th.
While safety and quality are reportedly the main reasons Rockstar is introducing the return-to-office requirement, I’ve been told by sources – who wished to remain anonymous to avoid possible retaliation – that the development is ongoing GTA 6 has begun to “fall back.” I’m told this has Rockstar leadership nervous, worried the game could miss the 2025 window and slip into 2026, and is another big reason the company is pushing for an April return to the office .
Right now I’m told Rockstar is still “going for it.” GTA 6 is scheduled to appear in spring 2025. While an early 2025 release is the goal, sources say they are not sure if that will happen and a fall 2025 release seems more plausible and feasible. In the meantime, postponing the game to 2026 is up for debate as a sort of “backup plan” or “emergency” option if necessary.
And of course, it should be noted – and I was reminded of this when talking to people about this situation – that Rockstar Games traditionally waits until the “last minute” to make changes or change plans, i.e. to the next trailer for the game – no word on when to expect this – may not reflect a delay while the company moves forward with development.
My city has contacted Rockstar Games
Speak with aftermathone employee expressed concern that Rockstar Games might do this after improvements in recent years slip back into the developer crisis as GTA VI enters the final part of its long development.
“We’re afraid it will happen again,” a Rockstar employee told Aftermath.
“I went through a few projects, both of which had a crisis. The first was extremely difficult. I had a lot less gray hair back then. … We want to continue the progress we have made as a company to eliminate this toxic culture.”
Even if the game is postponed internally to the end of 2025 or publicly pushed back to 2026, that doesn’t mean workers – who are forced to return to the office against their will – won’t have to work hard. Actually, Sometimes delays just mean more crunch. No matter, that’s clear GTA 6′The final year of development will not be easy or quick, as the company is targeting early 2025.
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