Game Studios’ Futures Tied to GTA 6 Release Date, Industry Expert Warns
The trajectory of numerous game development companies hinges on the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 this year. A miscalculation regarding its launch window could have severe repercussions for some studios, according to Ben Porter, Consulting Director at Newzoo, a gaming industry analytics firm.
Potential Delays Could Devastate Studios
In a recent interview at GDC 2025 with PC Gamer, Porter stated, “For game companies banking on the arrival of GTA 6, a delay of several months could be crippling. Studios face the dilemma of launching into the void left by a delayed GTA 6 or sustaining operations for an extended period. I anticipate some businesses will falter as a consequence.”
While GTA 6 is currently slated for a fall console release (with the PC launch date still undetermined), delays are commonplace in the gaming industry. Notable titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows have all experienced postponements, illustrating the prevalence of delays for major game releases.
Avoiding the GTA 6 “Iceberg”
It is typical for studios to strategically schedule releases to avoid direct competition with major titles that are likely to dominate market attention. No game looms larger than a new Grand Theft Auto. Even niche games might seek to avoid a clash, opting for release windows in spring or summer 2026.
Domino Effect of Further Delays
However, should GTA 6 itself be delayed to spring or summer 2026, these developers may be compelled to further postpone their own launches. Such a setback could prove catastrophic for studios with precarious financial situations. The industry has witnessed numerous closures recently, indicating that financial vulnerability is not uncommon.
Opportunity Amidst Potential Delay
Conversely, a last-minute delay of GTA 6 could present a significant opportunity for studios positioned to release games that can capture the attention of disappointed GTA fans. The stakes are high for Rockstar and the broader gaming landscape, depending on Rockstar’s decisions in the coming months.
Everyone we speak with views themselves as vessels navigating to avoid collision with the GTA 6 behemoth.
Ben Porter, Newzoo
Borderlands 4 Release Date Sparks Speculation
The announced release date of Borderlands 4 – September 23, 2025 – has fueled speculation about a potential GTA 6 delay. Both titles are published by Take-Two Interactive, prompting questions about why the company would release two major games in close proximity. Does the Borderlands 4 date suggest an anticipated GTA 6 postponement?
Industry Impact of GTA 6 Remains Uncertain
While the Borderlands 4 release may hint at internal expectations, Porter cautions against drawing definitive conclusions. He acknowledges the potential for GTA 6 to invigorate the gaming market – possibly driving console upgrades – but remains skeptical about universal industry-wide benefits in the near term.
“Many suggest GTA 6 will revitalize the market,” Porter noted. “There’s some truth to that, but its uplifting effect may not be universal.”
He added, “It will undoubtedly have an impact, refocusing investor attention on the games sector. However, the prevailing industry strategy appears to be evasion – studios are maneuvering to avoid direct competition with GTA 6. If this is the collective approach, it’s questionable how significantly the industry will be broadly rejuvenated.”
PC Gaming Trends Highlighted in Newzoo Report
Porter’s GDC presentation featured Newzoo’s latest industry report, revealing that PC gamers spend 92% of their playtime on older titles, with a global PC gaming audience of 908 million.