Fresh discussion around the release of "Grand Theft Auto VI" has reignited following comments from games journalist Jason Schreier, who addressed growing speculation about the title's development progress and the likelihood of a delay.
In the latest episode of the "Ringer Verse" Button Mash podcast, Ben and Matt James discussed the most anticipated games of 2026, and the Bloomberg journalist made some predictions about "GTA 6."
Schreier recently clarified that "GTA 6" is not yet content complete, with developers still finalizing missions and deciding which features make it into the final build. While this sparked renewed "delay" fears online, he stressed that this is not unusual for a game of such scale, especially with a potential release still around ten months away. Schreier noted that a November launch feels a little more real than before, but it is still not guaranteed, as Rockstar itself may not know for certain until later in the year.
Jason Schreier says GTA 6 was "not content complete" the last time he heard about it
— Shiina (@ShiinaBR) January 7, 2026
- Nov 2026 release still feels real/solid
- Rockstar won't settle for anything but perfection
- Still finalizing levels, missions, and seeing what makes final cut
(via https://t.co/N7OPSmZ7Q2) pic.twitter.com/IxIjFeJ2Bi
Importantly, Schreier pushed back against claims that unfinished content automatically signals trouble. For context, Rockstar Games was still conducting motion capture for "Red Dead Redemption 2" just months before its release, with lead actor Roger Clark finishing recording shortly before launch. By that standard, "GTA 6" still being actively refined at this stage is well within normal development expectations.
According to Schreier, Rockstar would rather delay the game than release a buggy or compromised product, as the studio can't settle for anything less than perfection. That pressure is magnified by the stakes involved: the entire stock performance of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, is widely seen as hinging on "GTA 6's" success. Notably, Take-Two's fiscal year runs until late March 2027, giving the publisher flexibility to shift the launch date while still keeping the game within the same financial window if needed.
If what Jason Schreier is true and GTA 6 isn't yet content complete (contrary to what Tom Henderson claims), then keep in mind that's not really a big deal.
— GameRoll (@GameRoll_) January 7, 2026
The game is still 10 months away. It would be great if it is content complete, and maybe it is. However, if it's not then… pic.twitter.com/NBKDMkDSuL
Schreier also highlighted that Sony is treating PlayStation as the game's primary platform and is reportedly planning much of its upcoming lineup around "GTA 6," underscoring the title's industry-wide impact. That level of coordination further suggests confidence in the project, even if timelines remain fluid.
For now, Schreier's message is measured rather than alarmist: a delay is possible, but far from inevitable. As of today, development appears to be progressing normally for a project of this ambition, and a November release is still very much on the table. Until Rockstar provides an official update, the clearest takeaway is patience - something fans may find difficult, but necessary, as one of the most anticipated games of all time edges closer to the finish line.
It was also mentioned in the podcast that it "will not be a consensus game of the year becuase it could have a rough and buggy launch" and may "underwhelm a little because expectations are out of control."
What to Look Forward to as 'GTA 6' Nears Release — Despite a Lengthy Delay
Even with the uncertainty around its final launch date, anticipation for "Grand Theft Auto VI" remains sky-high. The game has already experienced a significant delay, having originally been positioned for a 2025 release window before Rockstar shifted expectations toward November 19, 2026, effectively extending the wait by at least a year. For a title of this scale, however, that delay has only heightened expectations rather than dampened them.
What players can look forward to is Rockstar's most ambitious open-world experience to date. "GTA 6" is expected to feature a vastly expanded and more immersive version of Vice City, deeper narrative choices, more dynamic NPC behavior, and systems that evolve based on player actions. The extended development time also points to heavier polish, tighter mission design, and a stronger focus on technical stability—something Rockstar is known for prioritizing, even if it means pushing release dates back.
While delays are frustrating, Rockstar's history suggests the extra time is being used to refine the experience rather than cut corners. If the studio sticks the landing, "GTA 6" is positioned not just as another sequel, but as a generational release capable of redefining open-world games, making the long wait and the delay so far easier for fans to justify.
Originally published on Player One
