There’s nothing quite like an “older” Grand Theft Auto 6 leak being proven true to spice up everyone’s mornings.
As if sensing that everyone needed a pick-me-up to get them through this week’s hump day, an insider decided to unearth a rare leak that actually turned out to be true and gave everyone another reason to start talking about GTA 6 again.
@that1detectiv3 went on Twitter to share that a post made back in December ahead of the official GTA 6 trailer release that perfectly described its contents, down to the lady holding two hammers, had already revealed its release date. But, word of warning: just because the leaker got the GTA 6 trailer right, this doesn’t mean that their information about the game’s release date is correct.
The person who correctly predicted everything about the reveal trailer said that GTA 6 will release in Q1 of 2025, likely January/February.
Release dates are always volatile, but this plus Jason Schreier’s recent report has me convinced the game is releasing early next year. pic.twitter.com/ql5Oe5EyxQ
— Detective (@that1detectiv3) March 17, 2024
Release dates for games, especially those of GTA 6‘s magnitude, are notoriously fluid. Delays can occur as developers strive to polish intricate systems and vast game worlds. Rockstar, known for its commitment to quality, may aim for a February 2025 release, but fans have to understand that this date is a placeholder at this point. The complexity of creating a game with GTA 6‘s scope means late-stage issues are inevitable, complicating the development timeline.
The importance of GTA 6‘s impending release is further exemplified after Rockstar had risked the ire of pretty much the entire internet after it started asking developers to come back and work in person again last month, presumably as part of its final year-long leg to ready the game for its launch.
It’s worth noting that Rockstar and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, have zero reason to rush GTA 6 to market. Grand Theft Auto V continues to generate significant revenue for the company, eliminating any pressure to release its successor. The focus is on ensuring GTA 6 will set a new “creative benchmark” for the entertainment industry. Take-Two’s aspiration for “perfection” in GTA 6 was evident when it subtly adjusted the release window of the game and started referring to it as “2025 fiscal year” instead of “2025 calendar year,” in its latest earnings report.
Besides, in an era where live service games often take years to refine, GTA 6 can’t afford a rough start. The success of GTA V’s online component has set high expectations for its sequel’s online experience. Rockstar is aware of the risk that any shortcomings could drive players back to GTA V.
As GTA 6‘s development progresses, Rockstar may reassess the release timeline in late 2025, evaluating whether a delay to Fall 2025 is necessary. The unpredictability of game development, particularly for a project as ambitious as GTA 6, makes such reassessments common.
As such, while most are understandably clinging to the prospect of playing GTA 6 at this point next year, the realities of game development suggest Rockstar’s flexible approach to its launch.
On a similar note, Sony is reportedly preparing to roll out the PlayStation 5 Pro ahead of GTA 6‘s release. It’s safe to say that it will be ready ahead of schedule, regardless if GTA 6 is released in early 2025 or late 2025.
