Grand Theft Auto VI aka GTA 6 is one of the most awaited games of recent years. Fans and game companies have been looking forward to its estimated release this year.
Now, as Rockstar Games has been quiet since the trailer released back in 2023, many are wondering if a delay is in the works.
Why Delay Can Be Big Deal
Game delays are nothing new. Games like Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield and Assassin's Creed Shadows have all suffered delays. However, a delay to GTA 6 can have a much bigger impact, according to Ben Porter, director of consulting at gaming intelligence firm Newzoo.
In a recent interview with PCGamer, Porter said some gaming companies have even planned their own releases around GTA 6's launch. If Rockstar delays the date, these companies might be left in a bind.
"If you are a game company waiting for GTA 6 to come out, and then it gets delayed by a couple of months, what do you do?" Porter said.
Challenges For Gaming Companies
If there is a delay, there might be a gap in the market and companies might have to make a hard decision. Some will move ahead with their launch, sucking up empty space. But others might choose to delay their own release dates in order to try and avoid going into battle with GTA 6 when it finally does arrive.
For smaller studios, this kind of uncertainty can be risky. However, when it comes to tight budgets, extending a game's release window by several months is not always possible. Porter even said that some companies may not survive if they cannot adjust.
However, many in the industry continue to believe that GTA 6's release — whenever it arrives, will initiate excitement and increase gaming values. A delay could shake things up, but the game's eventual launch would be a big deal to the industry.
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