The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has been the subject of intense speculation, fueled by Rockstar Games’ long silence and cryptic marketing. Since the release of the first trailer in December 2023, over 419 days have passed without further updates from Rockstar, leaving fans hungry for new information.
While Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, confirmed in a November 2024 earnings call that the game is still on track for a Fall 2025 release, rumors of potential delays persist. Fans now eagerly await Take-Two’s next financial call on February 6, 2025, where more clarity may be provided about the game’s progress or an official release date announcement. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of GTA 6, based on recent news and insights.
Release timeline
Despite the rumors, many credible sources refute claims of a delay, stating that Rockstar remains committed to its timeline. Historically, Rockstar announces firm release dates only when they are confident, typically 8–9 months before launch. For instance, the release date for Grand Theft Auto V was announced on January 31, 2013, with the game launching on September 17. Similarly, Red Dead Redemption 2’s release date was revealed on February 1, 2018, ahead of its October 26 release.
While some speculate that GTA 6 could still face setbacks due to its ambitious development scope, financial pressures from Take-Two’s $5.55 to $5.65 billion net bookings projections for fiscal 2025 make significant delays unlikely. Investors’ expectations and the stakes of such a massive project place added pressure on Rockstar to deliver within the planned timeline.
Take-Two’s next earnings call is crucial to find out whether GTA 6 will launch this year or get delayed to 2026
If Rockstar confirms an actual release date rather than just ‘Fall 2025’, the game is unlikely to be delayed, as they typically announce a release date only when… pic.twitter.com/yhoWjhWp8S
— GTA 6 Countdown
(@GTAVI_Countdown) January 24, 2025
Fans remain captivated by rumors of what GTA 6 will bring, including a return to Vice City, a massive open world with unprecedented interactivity, and advanced features like dynamic weather systems and improved AI. The game is also rumored to introduce dual protagonists and seamless multiplayer integration, potentially redefining open-world gaming.
As anticipation builds for a second trailer, said to arrive later this January or early February 2025, one thing is certain: GTA 6 is poised to set a new benchmark in the industry. While frustrations over the prolonged wait continue to grow, fans are encouraged to rely on official announcements and prepare for a groundbreaking experience when the game finally launches.
Trailer leaks, features, and fan frustration
Fans are eagerly awaiting a second GTA 6 trailer, expected a few days from now or early next month, which may reveal details about the game’s characters, map, and gameplay. Leaks suggest the game will feature Rockstar’s largest and most interactive world yet, powered by the advanced RAGE engine, promising unparalleled detail and realism.
However, excitement is mixed with frustration as fans grow impatient with the long silence since the first trailer. Social media accounts dedicated to GTA 6 frequently urge Rockstar to share updates, with one calling the situation ‘the worst the GTA community has been in a long time.’ While fans respect Rockstar’s focus on quality, the lack of communication has raised doubts about the Fall 2025 release timeline.
This is the worst the GTA & Rockstar community have been in a very long time. 419 days since Trailer 1’s release and nothing new is enough to make fans go insane… @RockstarGames please come out with some new GTA VI info so we can get hype and come together as a community… pic.twitter.com/vZwdDxyhXH
— Project Vice (@project_vice) January 27, 2025
As one of the most ambitious projects in gaming history, GTA 6 carries immense pressure for both Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive. Take-Two’s fiscal 2025 financial plans heavily depend on the game’s release, and a delay could force the company to adjust its strategy and disappoint investors. However, Take-Two’s consistent updates suggest confidence in a Fall 2025 launch, with insiders doubting any changes to the timeline.
Whether GTA 6 launches this fall or faces another delay, it’s expected to set new standards in gaming and reward the long wait. While patience is wearing thin, Rockstar’s history of delivering exceptional games suggests it will be worth it in the end.