GTA 6 Development Complete Despite Latest Delay
Rockstar Games has delivered another blow to eager fans by pushing back the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 release by an additional six months. The game, which was previously scheduled for autumn 2025 before being moved to May 26, 2026, will now launch on November 19, 2026.
The developer provided minimal explanation for this latest delay, simply stating that the extra time would allow them to deliver the polished experience that players expect. However, industry insiders suggest there's more to the story than meets the eye.
Insiders Claim Game Content Finished Months Ago
Multiple reliable sources within the gaming industry have come forward with claims that GTA 6 has actually been content complete for a significant period. Speaking on the Insider Gaming podcast, well-known insider Tom Henderson revealed: "From what I've heard, it's been content ready for a very long time."
This sentiment was echoed by gaming commentator Reece Reilly, also known as Kiwi Talkz, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his insights. He posted: "The game is content complete, all the work from here on out is optimising the hell out of it and making sure all the systems work to prevent a Cyberpunk [2077] scenario."
Why Polishing Takes So Long for Blockbuster Games
While some fans might question why a supposedly finished game needs another year of development, industry precedents demonstrate that extensive polishing periods are common for major releases. Nintendo spent over a year refining The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom before its launch, creating one of the most polished gaming experiences in recent memory.
Given the massive scale of Rockstar's open-world games, which likely surpass even Nintendo's ambitious projects, the extended polishing period makes practical sense. Former Rockstar creative lead Dan Houser has previously acknowledged Zelda's influence on the GTA series since its transition to 3D, suggesting Rockstar pays close attention to Nintendo's development strategies.
The reference to avoiding a "Cyberpunk 2077 scenario" highlights the importance of thorough testing and optimisation. CD Projekt Red's controversial launch serves as a cautionary tale about releasing complex games before they're properly refined.
GTA 5 Returns to PlayStation Plus
While fans await GTA 6's eventual arrival, PlayStation Plus subscribers have something to look forward to much sooner. According to reliable insider billbil-kun, GTA 5 will return to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions starting November 18 for a limited time.
This marks the third time Rockstar's current blockbuster has been available through the service, following previous appearances in December 2023 and November 2024. The game typically remains available for approximately six months during these promotional periods.
An official announcement regarding GTA 5's return to PS Plus is expected on Wednesday, November 12. This strategy of periodically offering GTA 5 through subscription services has proven effective at attracting new players to GTA Online and encouraging eventual full-game purchases.
While it will be many years before GTA 6 follows its predecessor onto subscription services, the pattern established with GTA 5 suggests Rockstar has perfected a release strategy that maximises both initial sales and long-term engagement.
