It's not entirely clear when Rockstar Games will release Grand Theft Auto 6, but Rockstar has shifted all its resources to the game. It's been nearly five years since the developer released its last full game, and the upcoming project will have a lot riding on it. Specifically, Grand Theft Auto 6 will need to be a fresh start for the studio.
Since Red Dead Redemption 2 was released, Rockstar Games' reputation has taken quite a few hits. There was a reported crunch culture in the development of the game, while its general workplace culture also reportedly suffered. Rockstar has since taken steps to improve the workplace, including a no-crunch policy. More recently, the developer's release of the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy soured many fans' perception of the company, as well as the lack of communication leading up to the effective shutdown of Red Dead Online. With all this in mind, Grand Theft Auto 6 gives the studio a chance to clear the slate, while proving it can still deliver the goods.
Rockstar Games' Recent Slate of Controversies
While complaints against Grand Theft Auto Online's monetization practices had been around for a bit, the studio's reputation didn't take a serious hit until late 2021. This was when the company released the disastrous Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition. The edition was panned by gamers and critics alike for being buggy and overpriced.
Furthermore, the PC version of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy was pulled from digital storefronts due to the unintentional inclusion of certain files. Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick would later reveal that, despite all of these controversies, the new edition of the games was a financial success. Still, the studio's controversies would not end with these issues.
More recently Rockstar Games brought back Red Dead Redemption but with a catch. Rather than being the long-rumored remaster or remake, the game was simply a port of the original version for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. It was also priced at $49.99 and only included the base game and its DLC. This version furthermore seemed to have replaced whatever remake or remaster plans that the developer may have had. Of course, the Red Dead port was a result of an overhype that Rockstar didn't contain, and it's not nearly as bad as the GTA trilogy. But still, if Rockstar Games wants to escape these controversies, then Grand Theft Auto 6 will need to shake up the narrative.
How Grand Theft Auto 6 Could Clear the Slate for the Rockstar Games
Currently, there is no official word on what the upcoming game will be about, but it has apparently been in the works since at least 2015. However, Grand Theft Auto 6 has been the subject of several leaks which points to some interesting directions for the game's story and setting, such as a Bonnie and Clyde-like story.
In addition, Vice City has long been Grand Theft Auto 6's rumored setting and is, more or less, confirmed after the massive GTA 6 leak. All of this sounds truly exciting, but whether leaks are true or not, there is no limit to the amount of hype for it. Following GTA 5 is hard, but if Rockstar can deliver compelling gameplay, a compelling story, and all the fundamental and exciting features it is known for, then a lot of its recent controversies will likely seem like a thing of the past. It should certainly learn lessons from them, and GTA 6 will likely serve as a way to showcase its abilities, while moving forward as a company.
Currently, there is no way to know if Grand Theft Auto 6 will deliver, but fans can hope. After being in development for a long time it's likely that the team will have something interesting to show gamers, at the very least. It will have to deliver something amazing, as expectations already put it higher than several recent great releases like Tears of the Kingdom. If it can do that, then Grand Theft Auto 6 could very well be a fresh start for the studio.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is in development.