With the PS5 and Project Scarlett expected for launch in 2020, the window is closing for a possible GTA 6 release on current hardware.
We’ve already had several reports suggesting that the next Grand Theft Auto game will be a next-gen only affair.
But so far Rockstar Games has made no announcements regarding the franchise’s future, meaning anything is possible for now.
And there are a few good reasons why Rockstar may want to launch their next GTA project as a cross-generational enterprise.
It was recently revealed that the PS4 console has now shipped over 100 million units to retailers, making it a massive success.
And combined with the sales of the Xbox One console, you have a very large install base right there waiting.
GTA 5 did the same thing, launching on Xbox 360 and PS3, before making the leap to current consoles.
And there is no doubt that this has proven a massive success for Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive.
But a recent report suggests that the GTA 6 release date will not be coming until 2021, making a PS4 and Xbox One release a lot less likely.
If GTA 6 was to release in 2020, it would provide the perfect bridge between consoles, especially when you consider that PS5 and PS4 will be able to play the same games together online.
But if this recent prediction proves correct, it seems very unlikely that Rockstar would consider the current consoles viable options.
This prediction was made by Jefferies analyst Alex Giaimo in July, and reads: “Take-Two possesses the most high-quality content amongst the U.S. publishers, yet valuation feels full.
“We struggle to find a near-term catalyst to push the multiple much higher at these levels…Despite the undeniable success of GTA & RDR [Red Dead Redemption series], we believe TTWO is now in a ‘soft spot’ when considering the timing of the next release.”
So what has parent company Take-Two Interactive reported recently on their plans for the future?
CEO Strauss Zelnick recently revealed that Take-Two has the strongest development pipeline in its history, suggesting that a lot of new projects are on the way.
And there have been rumours that Bully 2 could be announced before the end of the year.
However, these references could be connected to upcoming titles like NBA 2K20 and Borderlands 3, which will also no doubt prove very popular.
“Fiscal 2020 is off to a terrific start with first-quarter operating results that beat our expectations,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two during an earnings call.
“We delivered significant Net Bookings and cash flow growth driven by the performance of Grand Theft Auto Online and Grand Theft Auto V, NBA 2K19, the Borderlands franchise, and Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online.
“As a result of our better-than-expected first-quarter operating results and increased forecast for the balance of the year, we are raising our outlook for fiscal 2020, which is anticipated to be another great year for our organization.
“We aim to build on this strong start by delivering a robust array of titles throughout the year, including Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, NBA 2K20, Borderlands 3, WWE 2K20 and The Outer Worlds, as well as new and innovative ways for consumers to remain engaged with their favourite entertainment experiences.
“Looking ahead, Take-Two has the strongest development pipeline in its history, including sequels from our biggest franchises as well as exciting new IP. We are exceedingly well-positioned to capitalise on the positive trends in our industry, and to generate significant growth and margin expansion over the long-term.”
But saying that you have sequels in the works for your biggest franchises does sound like good news for GTA fans, considering it’s one of the biggest gaming series ever.