Analyst Warns GTA 6 Delay May Impact PS6 and New Xbox Release Dates

Analysts suggest that the anticipated delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 to November 2026 may prompt Sony and Microsoft to reconsider the launch dates for their upcoming gaming consoles.

On November 6, 2023, Rockstar Games delivered disappointing news to GTA enthusiasts, revealing that the release of GTA 6 has been postponed once more, now slated for November 19, 2026. This decision was made with the intent to “finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”

This marks the second postponement for the highly-anticipated title, with Rockstar acknowledging the “long wait”that fans have endured. The delay follows the recent layoffs of approximately 30-40 staff members from Rockstar’s studios in the UK and Canada. Current developers have expressed concerns that this instability might lead to further delays in the game’s development.

Implications for Next-Gen Consoles

Piers Harding-Rolls, an analyst at Ampere, raises important questions regarding the potential fallout from GTA 6’s delay, particularly its impact on the future release of next-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, he commented on the significance of GTA 6 as a major driver for console sales.

“Could the late arrival of GTA 6 affect when the next-gen consoles launch?” Harding-Rolls pondered. He speculated that both Sony and Microsoft had initially aimed for an earlier rollout to capitalize on market momentum but may now reconsider. Currently, forecasts predict new PlayStation and Xbox consoles might debut in late 2027, but the possibility of extending the lifecycle of existing consoles to connect with the excitement surrounding GTA 6 could delay releases until 2028.

“While the advent of cross-generation games somewhat mitigates this concern, the immense popularity of the GTA franchise compels all sectors of the gaming industry to rethink their product strategies, ” he explained.

GTA 6 cover — Image courtesy of Rockstar Games

While consoles remain the primary platform for GTA, PC gamers may face a delayed launch, typically about a year after the console version. Microsoft has hinted at their next console being a “premium” experience, though Sony has yet to make any announcements regarding the PlayStation 6. This uncertainty looms large over the industry, with many awaiting further developments.

For more insights on the potential impacts of the GTA 6 delay on console launches, visit the full article at Dexerto.