GTA 6: Release 2025 is at risk – Rockstar leadership is said to be nervous

The editors at Kotaku have spoken with various sources in the Rockstar Games environment about the development of GTA 6. Apparently, the signs are already pointing to a postponement of the release date.

What is known about the development of GTA 6? Just a few days ago, we reported that Rockstar Games has summoned the staff back to the offices to increase the productivity of the team and the security of the project (read: to avoid further leaks if possible).

The employees view this measure with concern, as they fear a harsh crunch phase – similar to what has been experienced in other Rockstar projects, such as Red Dead Redemption 2.

It fits that GTA 6 is currently in the hot phase of development. The highly anticipated blockbuster title is set to be released in 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.

The very first trailer for GTA 6 has left a lasting impression:

What are the insiders reporting now? The editors at Kotaku have spoken with several sources related to the development of GTA 6 and have received the following info nuggets:

• As the targeted release period, “Spring 2025” was apparently communicated internally.
• However, the development is already falling behind the plans, according to the sources.
• The executives are visibly nervous that they even have to consider a postponement to 2026.
• Furthermore, the contacts of Kotaku currently seem to expect a delay – a release in Autumn 2025 is much more likely than the currently targeted timeframe in Spring 2025.

More about GTA 6:

GTA developer finds that Crimson Desert only has a chance for the title Game of the Year under one condition

von Caroline Fuller

GTA 6 boss knows which gamers will play it: “You still listen to the same music as when you were 17”

von Cedric Holmeier

What does this mean for the developers? In light of the numerous reports over the past decades about crunch phases at Rockstar Games and the recent accounts from insiders, it seems quite likely that management will revert to old crunch patterns for GTA 6 to get the development of the ambitious project back on track.

The fears of the employees could thus be confirmed. The dangers of long crunch phases are highlighted by numerous personal accounts from those affected. Here is a particularly severe case:

Crunch Time: Young developer works himself to death – 89 hour weeks