Video game publishers allegedly 'don't want to be anywhere near' the release of GTA VI

The gaming world is already bracing itself for the arrival of Grand Theft Auto VI — and according to industry insiders, other publishers are doing everything they can to steer clear of its launch window.

A high-ranking executive from a major game publisher recently admitted, "We don’t want to be anywhere near that," speaking to the widespread hesitation among developers about releasing their own titles around the same time.

The concern is clear: Rockstar Games' next installment in the iconic GTA franchise is expected to dominate the market in an unprecedented way.

While GTA VI does not yet have an official release date, it’s projected to launch in fall 2025. The uncertainty around the exact timing has made it even more difficult for other studios to map out their own schedules.

Some are reportedly considering pushing back releases, worried that anything launching too close to GTA VI will simply be overshadowed.

The anxiety is understandable. Rockstar’s previous entry, Grand Theft Auto V, wasn’t just a hit — it became a cultural phenomenon.

Released in September 2013, GTA V has sold over 190 million copies worldwide and remains one of the best-selling video games of all time.

Its online component, GTA Online, continues to pull in millions of players every month, helping the game stay commercially and culturally relevant even twelve years after its original debut.

For many gamers, the wait for GTA VI has been nearly a lifetime.

One user on Instagram captured the generational anticipation perfectly, commenting, "bro I was 13 when gta v came out…. i’m bouta be 26 this year. let that sink in."

After more than a decade of rumors, leaks, and speculation, Rockstar officially confirmed GTA VI last year, sending the gaming community into a frenzy.

The game promises to deliver a sprawling open world inspired by a modern-day take on Vice City, new protagonists, and cutting-edge visuals that aim to push the limits of current-gen hardware.

In an industry where most titles are quickly forgotten, Grand Theft Auto is a rare outlier — a franchise that shapes gaming culture itself.

With GTA VI on the horizon, it's no surprise that other publishers are treading carefully, knowing full well that when Rockstar's behemoth drops, it will command the world's attention.