Report: Publishers Plan to Postpone Games to Avoid Competing with GTA 6

It seems that game publishers are eyeing their release schedules carefully, trying to steer clear of competing with the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.

According to insights from the recently introduced publication, The Game Business, multiple major industry players are expressing their concerns about launching new titles around the same time as Rockstar’s highly awaited game. One high-ranking executive from a prominent publisher mentioned, “Rockstar games always end up drawing a substantial amount of money and, more crucially, time away from the market.”

“We really don’t want to be overshadowed by that. So, we’re actively working on different strategies for our game releases,” the executive explained.

Another seasoned executive from a different company noted that even in the absence of GTA, it’s already a significant challenge to carve out a spot where new games can truly stand out. “Time is what we’re short on, not finances. It’s a challenging landscape out there,” they remarked.

The head of a major European gaming company weighed in, noting the reluctance to schedule any game releases toward the end of October or within the early days of November. “We are keen to avoid launching just before or right after GTA lands,” the executive expressed.

“If the game debuts in late October, you face the tough choice of either releasing early—something many have opted for, reflecting the current rush of summer releases—or going later, which means clashing with the crowded Black Friday promotions.”

Grand Theft Auto 6 is anticipated to hit the market sometime in 2025, likely during the autumn season.