Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), scheduled for release in fall 2025, is significantly influencing the strategies of major video game publishers. At least three prominent publishers are reportedly prepared to delay their upcoming titles to avoid competing with Rockstar’s highly anticipated release.

​According to Christopher Dring of the recently launched outlet The Game Business, “three major video game publishers” are ready to delay their games to avoid GTA 6. An executive from one of these major publishers expressed concerns, stating, “Rockstar games always suck a lot of money and, more importantly, time out of the market. We don’t want to be anywhere near that.”

​According to Dring, two developers of “top 10 live-service games” are not planning any significant updates during the GTA 6 launch window.

This sentiment highlights the industry’s recognition of GTA 6’s potential dominance, with some likening its impact to a “huge meteor” that could overshadow other releases. Consequently, publishers are adjusting their release schedules, either advancing or postponing titles by a few weeks to sidestep the competitive “blast zone” surrounding GTA 6’s launch.

​The strategic adjustments underscore the profound effect GTA 6 is anticipated to have on the gaming market, prompting publishers to recalibrate their plans to mitigate potential adverse impacts on their own releases.​