I think we can all agree that the GTA series is one of the best things that happened to the world of video games. This gem of a franchise is Rockstar Games’ proudest creation and I along with the fans have probably loved each one of them with all our hearts. But, almost 8 whole years after the console release of GTA V in 2013, the fans are getting a little too anxious about the series’ return with GTA VI.
Not to mention the backlash Rockstar received after relaunching GTA V and dropping a trailer for it at PS5 showcasing back in June of 2020. Some fans thought that it was Rockstar announcing GTA VI for PS5 or even announcing its release date. But, that false hope was easily crashed and fans were left with nothing but disappointment.
Now that we have rolled into the year 2021, GTA fans have grown more impatient with this 8 year long wait and want some answers. So, let’s go through some points and find out why GTA VI is taking so long?
1. Rockstar Games’ Current Reputation
Rockstars Games is currently in hot waters with its day to day worsening reputation. This video game publishing company has been reprimanded for treating its employees badly and all the allegations for misdemeanor on the female employees of the company. The company has also been charged for unfairly treating the female employees.
This could very much be the reason as to why Rockstar is slowly dillydallying on GTA VI’s release as its trying to fix the tarnished reputation.
But one thing is for sure, the more the game takes time the more people will start to badmouth. After the whole PS5’s GTA V trailer incident, angry fans are already blaming Rockstar Games for cashing in all the revenue from GTA Online.
2. How Covid-19 Has Affected Offices?
Although the gaming industry seemingly flourished amidst the Covid-19 pandemic situation, the gaming offices and production houses saw a lack of employees and had to host online work which delayed the game development work done in the studios.
The game development studios are equipped with much more high tech devices needed to code certain parts of any game, so without the studio in use, Rockstar Games’ GTA VI production was probably set back for more than a couple of months making the game release delay further than normal.
3. It Takes Time to Make an Open World Game for Next-Gen Consoles
Open world games are generally massive and take years to completely code, program, animate and release the full product. But, another hurdle in the developers’ path is the launch of any new next-gen console.
Any new game about to be released has to be next-gen console ready. Which implies, more work for the devs.
This is also a likely case for GTA VI’s delay. You probably know the new next-gen consoles like PS5 and XBOX Series X|S are getting the gamers’ attention. So, if GTA VI wants to be a top-selling game it probably has to be launched in these consoles to maximize profit.
Also, you cannot forget the fact that Rockstar Games is known for its attention to detail. The company is meticulous for adding such immersive gameplay that would make you feel like it’s real life.
A big example of that can be found in Red Dead Redemption 2 where the game is filled with these minute details that make the game even more alive. For example: The rain water collected in sewer drains, the time lapse of rotting corpses, the dog at the general store window in Rhodes.
These types of details take a lot of time and more so if it done for the next-gen consoles. Meaning, we won’t get to play GTA VI anytime soon if it wants to be PS5 ready.
4. Rockstar Games Busy With GTA Online and Red Dead Redemption 2 Online Updates
Rockstar Games is very much invested in the online aspects of two of its most popular games i.e, GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2. Ever since the GTA V Online release, Rockstar has seen a surge of new gamers trying out the online mode and the company has even gotten pretty positive reviews from it.
Seeing it as a bankable opportunity, Rockstar Games developed the online community of the game and even introduced an online mode to the 2018 AAA title Red Dead Redemption 2.
Although, Rockstar Games neglecting GTA VI and focusing on the online game updates has also sparked a debate among fans and some have even resorted to calling the company “money-hungry.”
Call it what you want, I would appreciate if Rockstar could invest even a little bit of its time into finishing GTA VI and releasing it before we grow tired of asking.
5. Rockstar’s Legacy of Long Year Gaps Between Game Sequels
Rockstar Games is no stranger to letting its fans wait for a decade before releasing a sequel to any AAA game.
We have seen it happen for Max Payne franchise when Max Payne 2 was released in 2003 and Max Payne 3 was released 9 years later in 2012. You also cannot forget Red Dead Redemption coming out in 2010 and Red Dead Redemption 2 releasing in 2018, 8 years after the first one.
So, I am not even surprised that the GTA VI is taking so long to be released even with GTA V’s 2013 release now becoming almost 8 years ago.
6. When Can We Expect GTA VI?
It’s hard to say when exactly GTA VI is going to be released or even when the trailer release will take place. But we can only hope it comes out sooner than later.
Although, a recent clue has surfaced which could hint to a possible GTA VI’s trailer release soon. A job posting posted by Rockstar Games states than they are currently looking for a cinematic gameplay capture artist.
A cinematic gameplay capture artist is someone who makes game trailers or edits them from gameplay footage they capture. Rockstar wouldn’t be looking for a gameplay capture artist if the game wasn’t already developed yet, right?
Which could mean that the game is most probably done and finalizing the last bits and pieces. But some fans also think that this job posting is not for GTA VI but for GTA Online or Red Dead Redemption 2 Online mode’s new update.
7. What Do We Know About GTA VI So Far?
A lot of gossip has been going around about GTA VI and its possible story and features. These rumors include:
I. GTA VI and Red Dead Redemption 2 Connection
Some weapons found in Red Dead Redemption 2’s source code were considered as possible hints for the upcoming GTA VI. The weapons were an AK47, a Browning Pistol, and an L1AL rifle which are not correct for RDR2’s timeline and does not fit in GTA V’s settings. And that gave the fans an idea of GTA VI to be set in the 1980s.
II. Possible Smart NPCs for the New Game
A new patent claim by Take-Two Interactive has made the fans believe that GTA VI might have smarter NPCs. The patent “System And Method For Virtual Navigation in A Gaming Environment” is likely a new development which would allow smarter NPC navigations around the game’s virtual world.
III. GTA VI’s Possible Single Player Campaign
Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick has recently stated that Rockstar Games will continue with what they are best known for, i.e, single-player campaign. While the possibility still remains of getting more than one protagonist in GTA VI, like how we got the first-ever 3 protagonist streak in GTA V, GTA VI is probably going the single protagonist route.
All in all, I hope all this wait is worth it and we get the surprise lasting a lifetime when GTA VI actually releases.
8. About GTA VI
GTA VI also known as Grand Theft Auto VI is the sixth installment to the Grand Theft Auto series.
Grand Theft Auto games are known for their Open World aspect giving players the freedom to do anything and everything possible. The last game to this franchise was the GTA V game which came out in 2013 for consoles.
Licensed under Rockstar Games, GTA VI is currently in development and no information on its release date has been confirmed yet.
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