GTA VI locked in for 2025 release: gear up for the next big heist

The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation as Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has officially announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will hit the shelves in autumn 2025. 

The announcement came during Take-Two's recent earnings call.

Grand Theft Auto VI has already garnered significant attention with its trailer achieving over 190 million views on YouTube since its release in December. 

The trailer debuted shortly after an online leak, which only fueled the hype surrounding the game's release.

Piers Harding-Rolls, a gaming industry analyst speaking to the BBC, noted that the extended development period for GTA 6 indicates it could be the most expensive game ever produced. 

"Rockstar is known for lengthy game development cycles as it strives to perfect its games before they are released but the wait for GTA 6 has been longer than ever," Harding-Rolls explained.

Despite the gap exceeding a decade since the release of GTA 5, the franchise remains a vital revenue stream for Take-Two. 

During the earnings call, it was revealed that GTA 5 has sold 200 million units worldwide, maintaining its position as the second best-selling video game title of all time, just behind Minecraft. 

The game's audience grew by 35% last year, underscoring its lasting appeal.

The extended timeline for the release of GTA 6, while a strategic move by Take-Two, is seen as a disappointment for console platforms and game retailers who are eager to boost sales. 

However, the promise of an advanced and meticulously crafted gaming experience could very well redefine industry standards and justify the prolonged wait.