Predicting future events is always tricky, and no one knows that better than Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games. In 2018, he had expressed gratitude for not releasing the much-anticipated GTA 6 during Donald Trump’s presidency, citing the uncertain political climate in the U.S. It seemed like a wise decision at the time.

“Both intense liberal progression and intense conservatism are very militant and very angry. It is scary but strange, and yet both of them seem to veer towards the absurd,” Houser remarked back then.

Fast forward to today, and it turns out the game is indeed launching during another Trump presidency—something unthinkable back in 2018. This situation highlights the rapid changes in the political landscape, with satire struggling to keep up in such a volatile environment.

It’s quite paradoxical that GTA 6 will make its debut amidst a political backdrop similar to what Houser previously found troubling; a time filled with absurdity and confusion.

In a significant shift, neither of the trailers for GTA 6 has tackled Trump or other current political events overtly. This might reflect Rockstar’s desire to circumvent controversy, opting to stay away from sensitive subjects that have previously fueled their storytelling.

Ultimately, what’s next for the franchise remains unclear. Houser has moved on, having left Rockstar in 2020, now focusing on a new venture, Absurd Ventures.