Delay in the launch of GTA VI has shook the entire gaming industry
It was supposed to be the year of Grand Theft Auto. Fans were counting down, stock analysts were calculating boosts, and gaming studios were watching closely. But in a move that has shifted the trajectory of the global gaming industry, Rockstar Games officially delayed the launch of GTA VI, prompting market intelligence firm Newzoo to revise its 2025 video game revenue forecast.
The delay not only disappointed fans but sent tremors through the broader gaming economy. The anticipated blockbuster was expected to be a financial juggernaut, pushing the market into new highs. Now, with the release pushed beyond 2025, the outlook has cooled and significantly so.
What Just Happened: Newzoo’s Forecast Correction
On June 17, 2025, Reuters reported that Newzoo trimmed its 2025 global video game market forecast by 1.6%, citing the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI as a central reason. The revised projection now stands at $185.4 billion, down from an earlier forecast of $188.5 billion.
While a 1.6% dip may not seem massive, it represents billions in projected lost revenue and highlights just how influential a single title can be in shaping annual gaming industry dynamics.
Why GTA VI Carries So Much Weight
Grand Theft Auto VI isn’t just another sequel. It’s one of the most hyped games of the decade, with Rockstar’s last release, GTA V, having sold over 185 million units since its 2013 debut. The series is a cultural phenomenon, known for record-breaking launches, open-world storytelling, and a massive fanbase that spans generations.
Newzoo had factored GTA VI into its earlier bullish estimates, expecting it to drive sales across hardware and digital marketplaces.
Key facts influencing the revised forecast:
- The delay of GTA VI means revenue expected from physical and digital sales in 2025 is now deferred
- Fewer AAA releases in 2025 contribute to a weaker software pipeline
- The global gaming market still expects a 6.6% year-on-year growth, just slower than initially predicted
Challenges and Upsides in the Wake of the Delay
While Newzoo’s correction has sparked concern, the outlook isn’t entirely bleak. The delay opens both challenges and unexpected opportunities for the broader market.
Challenges:
- Investor sentiment is impacted, especially for publicly listed game companies banking on GTA VI-driven engagement
- Console manufacturers may face stagnant sales due to fewer must-have titles
- Retail and streaming platforms might see slower growth without a tentpole release like GTA
Benefits and silver linings:
- Mid-tier and indie developers may capture more user attention and market share in 2025
- Rockstar gains time to polish the game, potentially ensuring a higher-quality release
- Live service games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone may benefit from the vacuum in new flagship titles
The Bigger Picture: Rockstar’s Strategic Gamble
From a business lens, Rockstar’s decision is a bold one. With expectations sky-high, the company appears determined to avoid the fate of recent botched launches like Cyberpunk 2077. The delay likely reflects an effort to fine-tune game mechanics, open-world dynamics, and next-gen graphics fidelity.
In a world where even slight graphical bugs can lead to social media storms, Rockstar may be playing the long game by prioritizing longevity and user experience over immediate revenue.
Moreover, GTA VI is expected to debut on next-gen platforms, possibly even exclusive versions for the upcoming PlayStation 6 and Xbox successors. This creates additional development complexity, demanding longer timelines and resource coordination.
The Futurism Today on GTA VI’s Delay and What Comes Next
At The Futurism Today, we see this delay as a reminder that the gaming world’s biggest launches now rival Hollywood’s in both budget and cultural impact. A title like GTA VI doesn’t just sell millions, it drives console adoption, reshapes advertising budgets, and influences investor portfolios.
While short-term market corrections are expected, the long-term vision remains promising. Rockstar’s move, though frustrating for gamers, might ultimately strengthen the industry’s reputation for quality over speed. It also sets the tone for other publishers to be more transparent about timelines and polish.
2025 may no longer be the year of GTA VI, but it could very well become the year gaming matures strategically, creatively, and commercially.
Stay tuned to The Futurism Today as we continue to track the evolving story of Grand Theft Auto VI, its ripple effects across tech, and the next big movements in gaming innovation.