GTA 6 release date uncertainty could cause major publishers to delay games
Gamers aren't the only ones desperate for any GTA 6 release date news. In a new article, The Game Business explains how the lack of a definite date also affects publishers. Take-Two Interactive insists that GTA 6 is on track for a 2025 debut. Still, with minimal marketing, some fans have doubts that the next entry in the franchise will arrive that soon. That uncertainty is also causing game executives to reconsider their own schedules.
The Game Business spoke to numerous publishers who expect GTA 6 to have a massive impact on the industry. When GTA 6 arrives, it's likely to dominate sales, prompting buyers to reconsider purchasing other titles. The TGB article revealed that nearly 90% of UK game sales in the first week after the release of GTA 5 went to Rockstar Games. The blistering sales pace continued well into the rest of the month.
With the marketplace now more saturated, GTA 6 may not cannibalize game sales like its predecessor. Nevertheless, companies are preparing for the worst-case scenario. Kotaku suggested October 28 as a possible GTA 6 release date in February, but Rockstar Games refused to comment. The dilemma for publishers is whether to rush a new title to market this summer or hold off until December or early 2026.
Smaller studios are particularly vulnerable since they lack the resources to compete with an advertising blitz. However, even EA's Battlefield 6 plans could change depending on the GTA 6 schedule. Most Battlefield games launch in the Fall, but CEO Andrew Wilson is willing to postpone its arrival. EA is just one of three major publishing houses that TGB heard from, which are in flux thanks to Rockstar's ambiguity.
A recent rumor about a second trailer is giving gamers some hope for an official announcement. The leaker expects a new video to drop shortly, which could provide the GTA 6 news gamers have been craving. Sadly, while March 25 was the projected date, Rockstar Games has only posted about Red Dead Online rewards on its social media.
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