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Gta 6 development officially started in 2020, take two confirms

GTA 6 Development | Launched Post-RDR2 Success Amid Fan Concerns

By

Sarah Mitchell

May 16, 2025, 12:33 PM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

3 minutes of duration

A visual representation of the Grand Theft Auto 6 logo with images of Red Dead Redemption 2 in the background, signifying the start of new game development.
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A significant shift in the gaming community arises as it is revealed that development for the anticipated GTA 6 began earnestly in 2020. This decision follows the monumental success of Red Dead Redemption 2. Some are left frustrated, blaming delays on the gap since GTA Vโ€™s release, highlighting a growing divide among gamers.

Context Behind the Development Timeline

Since the launch of GTA V, fans have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the length of the wait for its sequel. Many feel that the clock for gauging the game's release began ticking too early, especially given that the game didnโ€™t end on a cliffhanger. Additionally, fans have taken to forums to discuss how the extensive development of RDR2 impacted Rockstar's resources and timeline for GTA 6.

Voices from the Community

Despite ongoing anticipation, comments from gamers have highlighted a few key themes concerning the development process and expectations:

  • Focus on Deeper Storytelling: Many players welcome a narrative style similar to that of RDR2, noting that the trailers suggest a focus on intimate character relationships.

  • Fatigue Over Development Wait: Some gamers express frustration over the long wait for GTA 6, especially with production pauses while working on RDR2. As one comment put it, "People seem to forget RDR2 exists while waiting for GTA6."

  • Concerns Over Budget: Given production estimates suggesting a budget potentially approaching $1 billion, the implications for the game's pricing and marketing strategy have raised eyebrows.

โ€œTheyโ€™ll make their money back with pre-orders alone,โ€ noted one commenter, reflecting the community's hope for financial success.

Breakdowns and Implications

The expected budget for development has ignited discussions around expectations from the upcoming title. As one user calculated, a workforce exceeding 2,000 employees with a 6-year development period could easily push costs toward the billion-dollar mark. This carries significant weight as fans ponder what this could mean for the game quality and experience upon release.

Key Highlights

  • ๐Ÿ”น Development reflects a shift towards deeper storytelling rather than just action.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Anticipated budget could near $1 billion, raising expectations.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Fan frustration mounts over perceived delays in development.

Interestingly, many developers had reportedly begun working on GTA 6 as early as 2018, sparking debates on when budget allocation really took place.

As anticipation builds, will Rockstar deliver a game that meets the massive expectations cultivated during this lengthy wait? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Rockstar?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as development on GTA 6 progresses, Rockstar will prioritize transparency with its audience. Experts estimate around a 60 percent likelihood that this could include regular updates or teaser content, which would address fan frustrations creatively. Moreover, with significant investments in narrative depth, we might see a game that doesnโ€™t just meet, but potentially exceeds, the guidelines set by its predecessors. Given the industryโ€™s trend towards engaging storytelling, it seems probable that this installment will draw heavily on player feedback and community discussions, aligning development directions with what fans truly desire.

A Twist in the Tapestry of Gaming History

This situation echoes the early days of the gaming landscape, specifically the delay of Duke Nukem Forever, which began development in 1997. Fans waited over 15 years, leading to substantial hype and initial disappointment upon release. Yet, in an unexpected turn, it became a cultural touchstone regarding the perils of developer transparency and changing project scopes. Just like Duke, GTA 6 may shape future dialogue about game development and fan expectations, redefining what the gaming community anticipates from its favorite franchises.