Highlights

  • Excitement is high for Grand Theft Auto 6's release next year, as fans eagerly anticipate what Rockstar Games has in store for them.
  • The long development time for Rockstar's titles may be alleviated by exploring spin-off games within the GTA and Red Dead Redemption worlds.
  • Allowing other studios to work on smaller-scale spin-offs could provide fans with consistent content and unique experiences.

Finally, after over a decade, Grand Theft Auto 6 is set for release sometime next year. This experience has been a long time coming, so naturally, fans are extremely excited to see what is in store for this next chapter. And based on past Rockstar games, it will likely not disappoint. But while Grand Theft Auto 6's potential is virtually limitless, its release also showcases a major issue facing the studio right now.

Rockstar's titles are massive and groundbreaking open-world adventures, which is why it takes so long for a new chapter to be released. Yet even though the wait tends to be worth it, fans also do not want to have to wait decades to experience GTA or Red Dead Redemption again. So, instead of putting all the pressure on these mainline entries to deliver, it feels like it may be time for the studio to let other developers run wild within its worlds for a bit.

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Rockstar Has the Perfect Solution to Its Long Development Time

Rockstar's Franchises Are Brimming With Spin-Off Potential

As of now, Rockstar has been the sole studio responsible for franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. That has resulted in some fantastic adventures, with these franchises often considered the best that the open-world genre has to offer. However, due to the sheer size and quality of these titles, it also means players have had to wait a very long time for the next entry. But that does not have to be the case if the studio is willing to change its approach a little bit.

While Rockstar should still be responsible for the mainline entries, there is a ton of potential for exciting spin-off games set within these worlds. Maybe fans want to follow the adventures of Franklin before the events of Grand Theft Auto 5, maybe they want to see what it is like to manage a ranch during the time of Red Dead Redemption 2, or maybe they simply want to take a trip back to the cities from the original Grand Theft Auto titles. Whatever the story is, these spin-offs could offer something truly special.

Spin-Offs Could Be a Great Way to Tie Fans Over Between the Big Adventures

Of course, spin-offs would also take a bit of time to release, and if Rockstar was in charge of them, then it would take development away from those mainline entries. But, if other studios got to explore the franchises through smaller-scale spin-offs, then it could serve as a great way to tide fans over until that next massive open-world adventure. As long as they maintain the quality players have come to expect, then they could be fantastic treats for fans.

There is a reason franchises like Call of Duty can release brand-new games yearly; there are multiple studios working within the confines of the series at a time. If Rockstar was willing to let some of its other branches or outside studios play around within GTA or Red Dead Redemption, then it too could provide fans with something to do on a more consistent basis. Even if that may take players away from GTA Online or minimize the hype of the mainline entries, it could help rectify these decade-long waits that will likely only get longer. Plus, it could be a great way to also revive franchises like Bully or LA Noire.

As of now, it does not seem like Rockstar has any plans to hand the reins off to anyone else. However, it really should consider it. Not only would it help alleviate that wait, but it could also result in so many new ideas and unique experiences for fans to enjoy. And it may even bring new fans into the franchises in the process, which is always a good thing.