Rockstar narrows down GTA 6 launch window to fall 2025

Rockstar announced that GTA 6 is set for release in fall 2025, with development focused on perfection and setting records even before its launch.

: Rockstar has updated the release window for Grand Theft Auto VI to fall 2025. The game, set in a modern version of Vice City, is in its final development stages. Despite leaks, anticipation is high, with the trailer breaking viewership records.

Rockstar Games has refined the anticipated launch window for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) to the fall of 2025, as reported in Take-Two's latest earnings. Previously, the game was expected to release sometime in 2025, but recent developments suggest a shift towards the year's latter half. This update may have dashed hopes for an earlier release but underscores Rockstar's commitment to delivering a polished experience. Notably, the game is currently in its final development stages, with the company having recently required remote employees to return to the office full-time to expedite completion and prevent any further leaks. These measures point to Rockstar's meticulous approach to finishing the game right, rather than rushing to market for a quicker release. 

Excitement for GTA 6 has only grown, partly due to a couple of significant leaks; in September 2022, a hacker released over 90 videos and screenshots showcasing early gameplay and development footage. Additionally, in December 2023, Rockstar planned to release an official trailer, but it was leaked a day earlier. Despite these leaks, fan enthusiasm remains undimmed, as evidenced by the trailer's record-breaking reception. Upon its debut, the trailer garnered over 90 million views on YouTube within the first 24 hours and has now amassed nearly 191 million views, underscoring the game's immense anticipation.

The new iteration of the game is set in a modern version of Vice City, inspired by Miami, featuring photorealistic graphics and contemporary societal elements, such as extensive social media integration, which could be a central gameplay component. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized that the development team is prioritizing perfection over speed, ensuring the game meets high expectations. The detailed graphics, realistic simulation elements, and cultural relevance aim to create what could be the most lifelike representation in gaming history. As Rockstar consolidates its efforts to finalize GTA 6, the gaming community eagerly awaits what promises to be a groundbreaking release.