Will Grand Theft Auto 6 actually launch in 2025? This is the burning question in the industry right now.

The future strategies of many game studios hinge on the actual release date of GTA 6, and a miscalculation could spell disaster.

Ben Porter, Director of Consulting at Newzoo, noted:

“If you’re a game company who’s holding its breath waiting for GTA 6 to release, you’re in a precarious position. If it gets delayed by three, four, or five months, what do you do? You either fill the void left behind or extend operations for an additional six months. Unfortunately, I’m convinced that some companies may indeed fail as a result of these disruptions.”

Currently set to launch this fall on consoles (PC details are yet to be confirmed), the likelihood of delays remains high. Recent titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows have faced similar fates, with many high-profile games postponing their releases.

Game developers often strategize around major releases to avoid competition with titans like GTA. A delay in GTA 6 until spring or summer of 2026 may force smaller studios to push their release dates even farther into the future, potentially leading to financial crises amidst recent trends of studio closures.

Conversely, a last-minute GTA 6 postponement could create a lucrative opening for studios capable of meeting the needs of disappointed fans, solidifying the financial stakes riding on Rockstar’s decisions this year.

Insights from the Animation

“Everyone we’re consulting with is attempting to navigate around what they see as a looming iceberg, which is GTA 6. All are trying to adjust their game launches around this gigantic presence in the market.”

Ben Porter, Newzoo

A key indicator of the possibility of a GTA 6 delay might be the upcoming release date for Borderlands 4, set for September 23, 2025. The question remains: why would Take-Two, the publisher of both Borderlands 4 and GTA 6, schedule these major titles so closely together?

Ben Porter shared his thoughts on the broader implications for the gaming industry:

“While a release might rejuvenate the market and encourage console upgrades, the reality is that there will be mixed feelings among industry leaders, regardless of the outcome.”

Porter recently discussed Newzoo’s latest findings — which among other takeaways, indicates that PC gamers are spending 92% of their time on older games, with a staggering 908 million gamers actively engaged.