Understanding the Future of GTA 6
Part 1: Next Generation Console Exclusivity
Optimizing for Powerful Hardware
With the launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X bringing more processing power and advanced graphics capabilities than ever seen before in a home console, there is a strong argument to be made that Rockstar’s next mega-hit Grand Theft Auto 6 should be exclusive to these new machines in order to maximize what they can deliver. The PS5 and Series X are truly a next-generation gaming experience, featuring lightning fast solid state drives, hardware accelerated ray tracing, and support for up to 4K resolutions at 60 frames per second. By restricting the game to just these consoles, Rockstar will be free to design every aspect of GTA 6 without any limitations of aging PlayStation 4 and Xbox One hardware. This would allow them to take full advantage of the new technology and truly push creative and technical boundaries without concern for compatibility with older systems.
Avoiding Technical Limitations
If GTA 6 was also released on PS4 and Xbox One, it would inherently be held back by those consoles’ less capable specs. Rockstar would either have to heavily scale down the game’s scope and ambition or create two separate versions - neither of which would be ideal. Porting a game designed for PS5/Series X to the last-gen consoles would likely introduce all sorts of technical issues and compromises. We saw this to some extent when GTA 5 tried to bridge the gap between PS3/Xbox 360 and PS4/Xbox One editions - there were bugs, frame rate problems, and reduced visuals. For their next monumental project, Rockstar will surely want to avoid such frustrations and ensure the smoothest transition possible by going all-in on the power of new machines.
Part 2: Rockstar’s Development Timeline
Post Red Dead Redemption 2 Focus
Given that Rockstar only just released their wildly successful western epic Red Dead Redemption 2 in October 2018, it’s unlikely they had more than a skeleton crew investigating the possibility of GTA 6 in the years since. The vast majority of their employees were dedicated to the continued development and support of RDR2, with additional content and online modes. Now that Red Dead Redemption 2 has found its audience and Rockstar has delivered on their commitment there, we can expect the company to fully transition their focus to the next major Grand Theft Auto installment.
A Lengthy Development Cycle
Historically, Rockstar’s flagship series titles have had development periods of 5-7 years. Considering Red Dead Redemption 2 pulled their attention up until late 2018, serious work on GTA 6 is likely only just getting properly underway now. Even with thousands of staff across various studios, the scale and depth Rockstar aims for means a release any earlier than 2023 would be extremely optimistic. Fans should brace themselves for a lengthy cycle as the massive team settles in to conceive, create and polish every inch of their next virtual crime playground.
Part 3: Bridging Generations
Lessons from GTA 5’s Transition
When Grand Theft Auto 5 originally launched in 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, it was an unmitigated blockbuster hit. However, the later ports to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in 2014-2015 ran into some growing pains. Players reported bugs, technical glitches, and inferior visuals when switching between the generations. Jumping online between the new and old console versions wasn’t always smooth either. For their next game, Rockstar will surely want to avoid any comparable issues that could undermine the experience.
Ensuring Backwards Compatibility
With many expecting PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X to support backwards compatibility with the PS4/Xbox One libraries respectively thanks to their x86-64 architecture, there may be opportunities as well as challenges for Rockstar. If GTA 6 releases on the new consoles at or near launch, but also works through backwards compatibility on the previous generation, could they deliver a consistent experience? Or would customers playing the same game on different hardware encounter frustrations? Rockstar will have to carefully weigh these factors of simultaneous multi-generational support for GTA 6.
Part 4: Maximizing the Player Base
A History of PlayStation Popularity
Grand Theft Auto 5 smashed sales records, passing 130 million copies sold worldwide since its initial launch in 2013 across seven platforms. Breaking down the numbers reveals a clear preference for PlayStation, with the PS3 version outselling Xbox 360 by over 3 million units during their generation alone. This PlayStation popularity continued when PS4 outsold the Xbox One version of GTA 5 by nearly 2:1. Seeing this proven audience, Rockstar will surely want PlayStation owners front and center for the reveal and launch of GTA 6.
Targeting Next-Gen Simultaneous Releases
To capture the biggest possible initial install base, Rockstar’s ideal scenario may be releasing GTA 6 simultaneously for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X towards the tail end of each new console’s launch window around holiday season 2023. This two-pronged approach maximizes day one sales potential across both platforms, reaching as many eager fans as possible right out of the gate. It also presents the game as a must-have system seller to entice those still on the fence about upgrading during the next generation’s first year.
Part 5: No Sign of GTA 6 Any Time Soon
Built for Next-Gen Horsepower Alone
Considering how transformative the expected leap in power is from PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Series X, the argument that Grand Theft Auto 6 should be designed solely with that power in mind is a persuasive one. Rockstar will want to avoid any potential issues caused by porting to less capable machines, and fully unleash their creative vision within the new consoles’ expanded technical means. As such, fans should not expect to play GTA 6 this year or in 2021 - by necessity it seems a true next-gen title ready to shine on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X hardware alone, arriving once both systems have launched.
The Wait Will Be Worth It
Patience will be key for GTA fans itching for the next chapter after nearly a decade since GTA 5 first released. But if taking full advantage of cutting-edge consoles means even longer until we see GTA 6, most would agree the wait will be worth it for a game able to push creative and technical boundaries like never before. When Rockstar is ready and feels they have exhausted the potential of new hardware to craft their most immersive open world yet, only then will they publicly unveil what the future of this beloved franchise will bring.
Part 6: Keeping Players Engaged
Continued RDR2 Online Support
To keep the Rockstar fanbase engaged in the years between major releases, the continued evolution of Red Dead Online makes perfect sense. Just as GTA Online proved a massive success, Red Dead’s multiplayer mode shows strong potential for long term online worlds and Live Service games. Rockstar could realize this further with substantial new content, features, cities and roles to take players deeper into the virtual old west. A “super edition” of Red Dead Redemption 2 packaging both the acclaimed story mode and thriving online community would be a smart way to remind fans of Rockstar while they anticipate GTA 6.
Building Buzz and Excitement
Even small morsels of information directly from Rockstar, such as teasing works in progress or acknowledgment of GTA 6’s active development, would go a long way in keeping the dedicated community abuzz with anticipation. Periodic updates on their progress also help manage expectations over the likely long development cycle. With a soft reassurance that the next monumental Grand Theft Auto continues moving forward bit by bit, Rockstar can maintain a steady buzz and excitement among their massive fanbase of over 130 million GTA 5 players worldwide - priming them for when the official world is finally ready to be unveiled.