Despite being teased for a 2025 release, there’s still uncertainty surrounding its launch. The upcoming installment will break a franchise record, arriving more than 12 years after the last mainline entry, GTA V.
Why Is GTA 6 Taking So Long?
Speaking on CNBC, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained that Rockstar’s pursuit of “creative perfection” is the main reason behind the long development cycle:
“What Rockstar Games puts into all of their titles is a desire for creative perfection, which is why it takes a long time, why it’s complex, nervous-making. We don’t claim success until it occurs.”
While he didn’t provide a specific release date, Zelnick emphasized the company’s excitement:
“’GTA VI,’ what can I say, enormous anticipation both inside our company and in the marketplace as a whole. We couldn’t be more excited.”
The Real Reason Rockstar Isn’t Rushing GTA 6
Beyond the perfectionist approach, Rockstar hasn’t been in a rush because it simply hasn’t needed to be.
Zelnick confirmed that GTA V remains the biggest game in Take-Two’s history, selling over 210 million copies and thriving through GTA Online’s ongoing success. This financial stability has allowed Rockstar to take its time refining GTA 6 without external pressure.
Reports suggest that the game may have been near-final over a year ago, with the last 18 months focused purely on polish—a luxury not every game gets.
Will GTA 6 Release in 2025?
While Rockstar has hinted at a 2025 launch, Zelnick’s comments indicate that they are in no hurry to release the game prematurely.
Fans can expect GTA 6 to launch only when it’s fully ready—and given Rockstar’s track record, it’s likely to be worth the wait.
