"Going against GTA 6 for such games would be suicide": GTA 6 delay is bad for everyone except Rockstar, as analysts predict major devs will avoid a 2026 winter release like it's rancid

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Analysts Predict GTA 6 Will Dominate the Market Despite Delays

For gamers, the inevitable launch of GTA 6 is as unavoidable as rain or a birthday party. Anticipation for one of the biggest video game releases in history is already building, and analysts warn that other developers should tread carefully and avoid delaying their own releases to compete.

Despite multiple delays pushing its release to November 19, 2026, Rockstar’s highly anticipated sequel to GTA 5 is expected to be the “game event of the decade.” Matt Piscatella, a games industry analyst at Circana, told GamesRadar+:
"Regardless of its release date, it will have its own unique pull."

Piscatella generally advises developers to trust their timing:
"There are no open release windows anymore. I generally think developers should release games when it makes sense for them, without worrying too much about competition."

However, he makes an exception for GTA 6, stating:
"In this case, I would make a big exception and try to avoid this week if possible."

GTA 6’s Market Impact

Dr. Sirkan Toto, CEO of Japanese consultancy Kantan Games, predicts:
"GTA 6 will achieve excellent sales even if Take-Two sets the release date at midnight on December 31, 2026."

He further notes:
"Any other blockbuster scheduled for the 2026 holiday season will likely not launch, as competing with GTA 6 would be financial suicide."

David Cole, CEO of DFC Intelligence, echoes this sentiment:
"It is highly likely that GTA 6 will dominate the market."

Delays and Strategic Patience

Despite the numerous delays—Rockstar has been developing GTA 6 for over a decade—Toto warns of a real risk: missing the 2026 winter season, the most profitable period for video games, and then seeing Take-Two push the launch into 2027. Such a delay could frustrate fans and other developers alike.

Nevertheless, Rockstar remains calm. Joost van Dreunen, a professor of video game studies at NYU’s Stern School of Business, observes:
"Delaying GTA 6 is a flex. The studio knows anticipation is its most valuable asset, and it’s leveraging it fully."

This strategic patience underscores Rockstar’s confidence that GTA 6’s launch will be a market-defining event, regardless of timing or competitive pressures.

References

  1. User-provided source text detailing GTA 6 release predictions and analyst commentary (2025).

  2. GamesRadar+ — Interviews with Matt Piscatella regarding GTA 6 market impact.

  3. Kantan Games CEO Sirkan Toto — Commentary on GTA 6 holiday season timing.

  4. DFC Intelligence — David Cole’s analysis on GTA 6 market dominance.

  5. Joost van Dreunen, NYU Stern School of Business — Expert opinion on Rockstar’s delay strategy.


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