As Rockstar Games prepares to unleash Grand Theft Auto VI in 2025, the rest of the gaming industry is already bracing for impact. New reports reveal that several major publishers are now drafting backup plans — including the possibility of delaying their upcoming titles — to avoid launching near GTA 6.
According to The Game Business, at least three large studios have internally confirmed that they’re unwilling to go head-to-head with Rockstar’s next open-world giant. One executive was blunt about the decision: “We don’t want to be anywhere near that.” And for good reason.
The Rockstar Effect
The release of GTA 6 is expected to be a defining moment for the gaming industry. With an enormous global fanbase, massive marketing power, and sky-high anticipation, the game is likely to dominate headlines, streaming platforms, and player attention for weeks — if not months.
Any studio planning to release during the same period risks being completely overshadowed, regardless of budget or quality. GTA 6 won’t just be a game — it will be the center of the gaming universe the moment it launches.
Analysts: “Some Companies Could Tank”
Ben Porter, a director at market research firm Newzoo, warned that trying to compete with GTA 6 could be fatal for some companies.
“Some companies are going to tank as a result of that,” he said, highlighting how fragile many publishers currently are.
With rising development costs and a fiercely competitive market, even a small misstep can lead to disaster. Releasing alongside a once-in-a-decade title like GTA 6 could be that misstep.
Still No Confirmed Release Date
While Rockstar has confirmed a 2025 launch window, there’s still no exact date — and that uncertainty is making things even harder. Some insiders believe the game could slip into early 2026. As a result, many studios are preparing multiple launch schedules to avoid being caught off guard.
It’s a rare moment in the industry where a single game — not even released yet — is already reshaping how others approach their business.
Bottom line: Rockstar hasn’t even dropped a date, and the rest of the industry is already getting out of the way. When GTA 6 finally hits, the only game most people will care about… is GTA 6.
