7 reasons why GTA 6 could be Rockstar's last GTA game
Screenshot via Rockstar Games
The hype around
GTA 6
is real. The second trailer dropped on May 6, 2025, just four days after Rockstar officially delayed the game to May 2026—and yet, the buzz hasn't slowed. But here's a harsh question nobody wants to ask out loud:
What if GTA 6 is the last Grand Theft Auto game ever?
Sounds wild, right? But hear us out.
Here are 7 solid reasons why GTA 6 might be Rockstar's final GTA chapter.
1. It's Already Taking Over a Decade to Build
GTA 5 launched in 2013. GTA 6 is arriving in 2026. That's a 13-year gap. Game development cycles are getting longer, more complex, and exhausting. If one GTA takes an entire generation to create, the next might not be possible in the same way. Rockstar may not want to commit to another marathon like this again.
GTA 6 Will Be The FINAL Grand Theft Auto Game...
2. The Cost of Making It Is Astronomical
Rumors suggest GTA 6 has cost Rockstar over $2 billion to develop and market, making it the most expensive video game ever made.
Even for a company as big as Rockstar, investing that kind of money again might not make sense. The studio could pivot to safer, faster projects instead of gambling everything on one mega-title.
3. Live Service Could Replace New Titles
GTA Online changed Rockstar's business forever. With GTA 6, the online component is expected to evolve into a live service model with constant updates, expansions, and in-game economies. This model eliminates the need for a sequel. Why make GTA 7 when you can just keep expanding GTA 6 forever?
4. Top Developers Have Already Left
Many of Rockstar's OG legends lik Dan Houser, the creative force behind the series, have left the company.
While the new team is talented, the departure of key visionaries could make the idea of a future GTA feel less certain, or creatively risky.
5. The Scope Can't Get Bigger
GTA 6 features multiple cities, real-time events, weather systems, evolving NPCs, and two protagonists with branching storylines. Where do you go after that? Making something
bigger
or
better
than this might just not be practical. GTA 6 could be Rockstar's magnum opus: the point after which they say, 'We've done it all.'
6. AI and Player-Generated Worlds Could Take Over
The future of open-world games might lie in AI-generated content and community-driven mods. Rockstar might shift focus toward enabling user-created stories and experiences within GTA 6's sandbox instead of developing entirely new games from scratch.
Can Red Dead Redemption 3 Even Happen?
7. Rockstar Might Explore New Universes
Let's be honest. Rockstar has done GTA. It has Red Dead, Bully, Max Payne, all ripe for expansion. With the tech they've built for GTA 6, they might now want to experiment with new genres, timelines, and stories rather than staying tied to the GTA brand forever.
We're not saying GTA 6
will
be the last. But if it is, it's shaping up to be one hell of a farewell. Whether this is the beginning of the end or a launchpad for a new era, one thing's clear: GTA 6 isn't just a game. It's a monument.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
4 ways Rockstar might connect GTA 6 to Trevor's past
(Image via Rockstar Games) Rockstar Games has a habit of weaving deep, interconnected narratives across its Grand Theft Auto titles, and Trevor Philips is arguably one of the most unforgettable characters in the franchise. While GTA 6 is set in Vice City with new protagonists Jason and Lucia, fans are wondering: could Trevor's chaotic legacy somehow influence the next installment? Here are four plausible ways Rockstar might tie GTA 6 to Trevor's past without dragging him back to center stage. 1. A Former Acquaintance Becomes a Key Character Trevor left a trail of destruction and bizarre relationships across Blaine County. One way GTA 6 could nod to his past is by introducing a side character or antagonist who once knew him, possibly a former business partner, rival, or someone who barely survived one of his rampages. Imagine if Lucia is unknowingly working with a person who once had a meth operation with Trevor and carries the same unhinged energy. That kind of twisted connection would instantly deepen the narrative and let fans explore the ripple effects of Trevor's madness. TREVOR IN GTA 6!? - Steven Ogg Wants to Return 2. Trevor's Criminal Empire Left a Mark on the Drug Trade In GTA 5, Trevor was knee-deep in meth production and gunrunning. If GTA 6 expands on the drug trade in Vice City, Rockstar might reference how the industry evolved after Trevor's reign in Blaine County. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like München: GEERS sucht 700 Testhörer für Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung GEERS Undo A cartel or rival gang in Vice City could mention 'some crazy guy out west' whose operation changed how everyone does business. This wouldn't require Trevor to appear, but it would reinforce his impact on the GTA underworld and show how his reckless tactics influenced future criminals. 3. Hidden Trevor Easter Eggs Around Vice City Trevor might not be walking the streets of Vice City, but Rockstar loves leaving breadcrumbs for dedicated fans. A mural, graffiti tag, or a derelict trailer with 'TP Industries' spray-painted on it could suggest that Trevor once passed through or did business there. Alternatively, a character might wear a shirt with his face or reference a 'crazy Canadian dude from out west.' These nods create a subtle but satisfying continuity that long-time fans will obsess over. RIP Trevor in GTA VI? 4. Lucia or Jason Has a Personal Connection What if Lucia or Jason has a personal reason to seek out Trevor? Maybe Trevor hurt someone in their family years ago. Maybe Jason's criminal mentor once partnered with him. These kinds of indirect ties could bring up Trevor's name in a meaningful way and allow the game to explore his past through fresh eyes, without needing him to appear at all. It's a great way to honor a legacy character while keeping the spotlight on GTA 6's new leads. Rockstar doesn't usually repeat itself, but when it revisits characters, it does so with care. Whether Trevor returns in person or only in myth, don't be surprised if his chaotic past casts a long shadow over Vice City.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
5 things Rockstar removed from GTA 5 that fans still hate
(Image via Rockstar) Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto V has been praised as one of the most ambitious and expansive open-world games of all time. But for all the features it introduced, it also quietly dropped a number of beloved elements from earlier GTA titles, and fans noticed. Over a decade since release, many players still grumble about what was left behind. Here are five features Rockstar removed from GTA 5 that fans still haven't forgiven. 1. RPG Elements from San Andreas In GTA: San Andreas , players could level up their skills, from stamina and strength to driving and shooting. You could even change CJ's body shape through diet and exercise. In GTA 5 , these systems were toned down to the point of irrelevance. Skill stats exist, but they barely impact gameplay and can't be developed in meaningful ways. It was a missed opportunity to deepen immersion and personalization. GTA VI: PUBLIC TRANSPORT (UBER, SCOOTERS & MORE) 2. Functional Taxis for Quick Travel Taxis still exist in GTA 5 , but you can't skip the ride unless you're in director mode or use mods. In GTA IV , you could hop in a cab and fast-travel anywhere, making it perfect for roleplay or skipping long drives. For a game this large, GTA 5's lack of streamlined fast travel was frustrating, especially after Rockstar had already nailed it before. 3. Car Customization Depth from Midnight Club Influence Although GTA 5 brought back car customization via Los Santos Customs, many fans felt it was a downgrade from what Rockstar once achieved with Midnight Club: Los Angeles . There are fewer body kits, no neon underglow (initially), and limited engine tuning. Considering Rockstar had once perfected street-racing culture, the barebones upgrades in GTA 5 felt like a half-step. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hand Chopper| Free Delivery | COD Available Undo Hand Juicer | Manual Jucier | Free Delivery | COD Available Undo PavBhaji Masher | Free Delivery | COD Available Undo Strech Lids | Free Delivery | COD Available Undo 4. Gambling Minigames From poker in Red Dead Redemption to casinos in San Andreas , Rockstar has dabbled in in-game gambling. Strangely, GTA 5's single-player excluded all of this, even though the Diamond Casino exists in GTA Online. Fans felt shortchanged by the lack of blackjack, slot machines, or any casino gameplay in story mode. Fully Enterable Buildings in GTA 6 5. Fully-Functioning Interiors Earlier games had tons of interiors — fast food joints, gymnasiums, even police stations. GTA 5 locks most of these locations, making Los Santos feel more like a movie set than a lived-in city. It's a baffling step back in terms of immersion and environmental storytelling. Rockstar may have streamlined some of these features for technical or narrative reasons, but fans haven't forgotten. With GTA 6 on the horizon, players are hoping for a return to the depth and variety that once defined the series.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
5 GTA San Andreas features that deserve a comeback in GTA 6
(Image via Rockstar) If Rockstar's aiming to build the ultimate GTA experience with GTA 6, they better look back before leaping forward. Because GTA San Andreas may be two decades old, but it was way ahead of its time. From deep character customization to over-the-top freedom, it had features that made you feel like you were living CJ's life, not just playing it. Here are 5 iconic San Andreas mechanics we hope to see return in GTA 6. 1. Gym, Fat Meter & Custom Physique CJ's body literally changed based on how you played. Hit the gym regularly? He bulked up. Ate too many burgers? He got fat. This level of character transformation made San Andreas feel alive . Lucia and Jason in GTA 6 could seriously benefit from this with stamina upgrades, stealth boosts, or even visible injuries that change how NPCs react. Total immersion unlocked. GTA 6 GANGS AND FACTIONS! Everything We Know SO FAR! 2. Territory Wars and Gang Control One of San Andreas' most addictive systems was taking over enemy gang territories. It wasn't just a side activity; it reshaped your map. Watching Grove Street green sweep across Los Santos was pure satisfaction. GTA 6's Leonida map is huge , so why not give players more influence over it? Factions, turf wars, and district control could add endless replay value. 3. Car Customization at a Mad Level San Andreas let you do more than slap a spoiler on your car. You could change rims, nitro boosts, exhausts, and hydraulics, especially in lowriders. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like India: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price (See Price List) Luxury Jewelry | search ads Undo GTA 5 simplified this a bit, but GTA 6 should bring back full customization. Let us go wild with our cars again. Neon lights, bouncing suspension, and full audio setups? Yes, please. 4. Insane Side Missions (Pimping, Burglary, Freight Trains) San Andreas let you be a pimp, valet driver, firefighter, and even a train conductor. And it wasn't pointless—you earned money, respect, or stat boosts. These side gigs made the world feel bigger and gave players real reasons to explore. GTA 6 is primed for this kind of depth. Even Lucia running a small business or Jason moonlighting as a bouncer could add so much flavor. GTA 6 ROMANCE OPTIONS! Everything We Know SO FAR! 5. Dating & Girlfriend Mechanics San Andreas made relationships feel real (and a little chaotic). You could date multiple girlfriends, take them to restaurants or clubs, and even unlock rewards based on how well you treated them. Some would let you keep their car or give you perks like free resurrections. GTA 6; with its dual protagonists and deeper story, could make romantic subplots feel more impactful, dynamic, and maybe even tied to missions or side arcs. GTA 6 is clearly going for realism and cinematic storytelling, but let's not forget what made us fall in love with GTA in the first place. San Andreas gave us control, chaos, and creativity. If Rockstar can blend that classic freedom with modern polish, GTA 6 won't just break records; it'll redefine open-world gaming all over again.
