GTA 6 Delay Not Surprising, Rockstar's History Shows Delays Common

If you're a fan of Grand Theft Auto, you've likely noticed that delays in game releases aren't uncommon—and that’s actually a good thing. While there are exceptions where rushed releases lead to subpar results, more often than not, taking the extra time ensures a polished final product. This meticulous attention to detail is what separates great games from merely good ones. Think about how many unfinished games you’ve played and wished had been given more time to shine. Keep that thought in mind.

GTA 6 is delayed, and that’s a positive sign—it means it’s likely going to be even better than initially expected.

I’ve been hooked on GTA games since the early days, starting with PC LAN parties for GTA III. From the quirky charm of GTA London 1969 to the blockbuster success of GTA V, these games have been staples of gaming culture for decades. Thankfully, these delays have always led to greatness. Let’s dive into every notable delay in GTA history.

Grand Theft Auto III

Rockstar’s headquarters in New York City were close to the World Trade Center, so after the tragic events of September 11, GTA III faced a brief delay. Marketing VP Terry Donovan announced the postponement just days after the attack:

"Our decision is based on two factors: first, it has been challenging to get work done in downtown Manhattan due to intermittent communication issues, and second, we felt a thorough review of all our content and marketing materials was necessary following such a horrific event. Although we apologize for the delays, we assure you that the game will be exceptional and hit shelves in late October."

This cautious approach proved wise, as releasing a game involving violence so soon after such a tragic event would have been inappropriate.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Vice City saw a seven-day delay to accommodate higher-than-expected demand, while San Andreas received an additional week to refine its mechanics. Both decisions paid off, resulting in beloved classics.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Vice City Stories saw a minor delay in North America, stretching further in parts of Europe. Meanwhile, Chinatown Wars launched two months later than planned but quickly became a critical darling, showcasing what could have been with future iterations.

Grand Theft Auto IV

With the introduction of new consoles, GTA IV underwent several months of delays to deliver a groundbreaking experience. Rockstar’s Sam Hause explained, “Every aspect of the game has been transformed to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Grand Theft Auto V

Originally anticipated for spring 2013, GTA V eventually launched in September after a delay. Rockstar assured fans that the extra time was essential for achieving the desired polish. The result? The most successful console game of all time.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Although not part of the GTA series, RDR2 followed the same philosophy, with two delays ensuring its legendary status.

So, rest easy. GTA 6 will arrive, and it will likely be extraordinary. Until then, keep the faith. Vice City awaits.