Rockstar Games’ next major game after Grand Theft Auto 6 will take significantly less time to develop than GTA 6, according to Phil Hooker and Aaron Garbut.
Rockstar’s development tools, engine upgrades, and expanded team—built during GTA 6—will enable faster future projects by reusing infrastructure instead of rebuilding it from scratch, according to Phil Hooker and Aaron Garbut. GamesIndustry.biz reports that the studio’s workforce grew from 2,441 employees in October 2018 to 4,711 in 2026, with 4,020 in development/QA and 690 in publishing.
Aaron Garbut said Rockstar will not dismantle GTA 6’s foundational technology, including non-player character (NPC) systems and proprietary tools, for future projects, ensuring continuity. Phil Hooker said Rockstar’s next game will focus on ‘sideways’ innovation—new experiences—rather than scaling up size or scope. Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, said the company supported GTA 6’s delays, prioritizing quality over rigid timelines. Polygon.com reports that GTA 6’s development began as a broader project (Project Americas) spanning North and South America, which they scaled back due to unrealistic scope.
Polygon.com reports that the game faced delays from unrealistic expectations, scope challenges, and internal conflicts among three development supervisors. GamesIndustry.biz reports that Rockstar eliminated remote work in Apr. 2024 due to security risks from leaks, including a Sep. 2022 hack exposing 90 in‑development clips. KeenGamer reports a rumor that GTA 6’s PC release is for Mar. 2027, though Rockstar has not confirmed it.
We foundationally changed a lot of stuff on this project. But now it's done, and we're not going to rip it apart.
Aaron Garbut, KeenGamer
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