Grand Theft Auto 6 Development Timeline Revealed: Take-Two CEO Confirms Full Production Began in 2020

GTA 6’s Long-Awaited Journey Begins to Unfold

The wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 has felt endless for fans, but thanks to new insights from Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, we now have a clearer picture of when development actually began. In an interview with IGN, Zelnick stated that Rockstar Games began working “in earnest” on GTA 6 in 2020—shortly after the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018.

Why 2020 Was the Real Start of GTA 6

While some elements may have entered pre-production before that, Zelnick’s comment confirms that the game’s full development began after Rockstar wrapped up its last blockbuster. This puts the development timeline at roughly 6 years of full production, with additional pre-production time likely dating back to 2018.

Leaks, Trailers, and Internet-Breaking Moments

The road to GTA 6 has been dramatic. A massive leak in 2022 gave fans their first unofficial glimpse, revealing early alpha gameplay footage. In December 2023, Rockstar finally dropped the first official trailer—sending the internet into a frenzy. Then, after months of silence, the second trailer launched in May 2025, offering the best look yet at the setting, characters, and potential new features.

Release Date Delayed—But for Good Reason

Originally announced for Fall 2025, GTA 6 is now slated to release on May 26, 2026, according to Take-Two’s latest earnings call. Zelnick addressed the delay, explaining that Rockstar is “seeking perfection” and needs more time for polishing.

Despite concerns about another delay, Zelnick reassured fans: “Rockstar has been very good historically about meeting the dates it sets.” The game will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with no word yet on a PC release.

What’s Next for Rockstar and Fans

With just under a year to go, anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 is reaching new heights. Between the evolving storyline, refined mechanics, and stunning visuals teased in the trailers, Rockstar is aiming to set a new benchmark in open-world gaming.

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