For a while now, Rockstar Games has been as busy as a coked-up Trevor with the guile of Michael and the hustle of Franklin as it diligently works on the next installment of Grand Theft Auto. It's kept as much info about GTA 6 under wraps as it can, with very little official information seeping out. Until recently, that is, when gameplay leaked, giving fans a fleeting taste of the forbidden fruit, at least Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, swept in to wipe the slate clean again. But, this hasn't stopped many industry experts from fanning the flames and feeding the ever-revolving rumor mill with things to talk about.

This time around, reports suggest that GTA 6 will be the most costly video game ever created - a titanic gamble. However, a recent projection claims that Rockstar's return on its massive investment won't take long.

According to games industry specialist, Joost van Dreunen, GTA 6 could rake in a colossal $1 billion in its initial week. This is a bold prediction in the face of potential hurdles like the anticipated conversation of existing users to current-gen consoles in the 2024-2025 window.

There's an air of optimism as the rumored launch of GTA 6 approaches, which comes out in either late 2024 or early 2025, despite the publisher's reputation for delays. But, there's also doubt that GTA 6 can surpass the astronomical sales records of its predecessor.

Grand Theft Auto 5 remains the most successful entertainment product of all time and has since become the second-best-selling video game of all time with 180 million copies sold - and counting.

As history has shown though, Rockstar knows how to make the most out of any situation.

GTA 5's success was boosted by its release at the zenith of the lifecycle of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Rockstar doubled its coup with a re-release for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One just one year later. Then, another remaster for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X further boosted the numbers of GTA 5. This maneuver might hold a lesson for Rockstar as it prepares to launch GTA 6.

Perhaps the new title will surpass all expectations, following a similar release cycle, making an indelible mark in the annals of gaming history.

There is concern among fans, however, about the future of single-player campaigns in GTA 6. Online discourse sees its fans voicing concerns about Rockstar potentially prioritizing profitable online microtransactions over single-player experiences. Others argue that not all games need DLCs and that the single-player narrative should be left intact once completed.

Much of this discussion stems from the disappointment that Rockstar canceled single-player expansions for GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Of course, it's worth noting that the story of GTA 5 is still being written by way of free expansions for GTA Online.

No matter the outcome, one thing is for sure: the anticipation for GTA 6 is monumental. It has the potential to be the most eagerly awaited game of all time, surpassing even the universally adored GTA 5.

The buzz surrounding the game's release is likely to be immense, as everyone - diehard fans and casual gamers alike - awaits the latest chapter in the GTA saga.

After all, GTA has carved out a league of its own, setting a high bar that GTA 6 is poised to reach if not exceed.