GTA 6 Development Timeline: Shorter Than Expected, But Worth the Wait

While many fans assumed GTA VI had been in development for over a decade, the reality is quite different. According to a former Rockstar Games developer, the next Grand Theft Auto title officially began development in 2018, even before the release of Red Dead Redemption 2. This suggests that GTA 6 was already underway as Rockstar was putting the finishing touches on its Wild West blockbuster.

Although the game has been in the works for several years, it hasn’t been as long as most people imagined. Some believed production started right after GTA V launched back in 2013, but that’s not the case.

Rockstar’s decision to delay GTA VI until May 2026 may have been disappointing for fans, but it was ultimately a smart move. The recent second official trailer, featuring a blend of in-game cutscenes and gameplay captured entirely on a base PlayStation 5, shows that the additional development time is being well spent. The quality and detail are already turning heads.

By the time GTA VI is released, Rockstar may have already started production on its next major open-world project. Whether it’s GTA VII, a new Red Dead Redemption spin-off, or a return to another beloved Rockstar franchise, fans have plenty to look forward to.

There are also rumors that a GTA IV remaster has been quietly in development. With GTA VI moving out of its originally expected fall 2025 release window, it’s possible the remastered classic could be released to fill the gap.

Despite the long wait, the hype surrounding GTA VI continues to grow. Based on everything we’ve seen so far, the game promises to set a new benchmark for open-world experiences. And let’s be honest — a little more waiting is a small price to pay for what could be Rockstar’s most ambitious title yet.