'GTA 6' Release Date, Latest News, Update: Rumor Sparks Concern that Sixth Entry Might be PlayStation Exclusive

It’s three months in 2019 and Rockstar still maintains their silence about the development of “GTA 6.” The anticipation for the next entry is growing by the day as the fifth installment was released nearly six years ago.

The latest news about “GTA 6” is not about its development, however, but involves a rumor claiming that the title will be exclusive to the PlayStation console. The apprehension – for Xbox players, at least – began when whispers started circulating that Sony is in the process of acquiring Take-Two Interactive, the publisher that owns Rockstar Games, Esquire reported.

After multiple publications covered the story, Yuji Nakamura of Bloomberg checked in with Sony to make matters clear. The Minato-based company then told Nakamura that the rumor is simply that, a rumor. Following this statement, the community then returned to speculations about “GTA 6” and when Rockstar is planning on releasing the title.

So far, however, everything points that it could be years before the next installment is released. Part of the reason for the delay of “GTA 6” is the political climate brewing across the globe. Rockstar co-founder and head writer Dan Houser previously said that since the franchise is built upon the satire of reality, it’s difficult to play on this strength on account that reality today is getting more and more ridiculous.

Indeed, the comment of Australian senator Fraser Anning blaming Muslim immigrants about the recent New Zealand shooting is a testament to Houser’s statement. Even the Onion itself is hard at work satirizing reality when comments like these are casually being thrown around. And coming from a senator, no less. Aside from this factor, however, “GTA 6” may also have been affected following the departure of Rockstar vice president of developer Jeronimo Barrera.

Barrera has been with the company for over 20 years, back when there were only five people working for the studio. The former VP has been an integral part in the creation of successful IPs such as “Red Dead Redemption” and “GTA.” With his absence, it’s safe to assume that the development of “GTA 6” may have been affected in some capacity. Hopefully, whoever fills in the shoes of Barrera will be enough to handle the position.

Barrera’s resignation comes amidst Rockstar’s massive hiring of several developers who are experts in varying fields. Regarding the predictions of when “GTA 6” might be released, analysts are touting it will hit the market sometime between 2020 and 2022.