‘GTA 6’ release date reportedly ‘set for late 2023’ following reports Rockstar Games is hiring testers

A job listing posted by Rockstar Games was spotted recently and has sparked rumors that the “GTA 6” could be closer to its launch. However, a known leaker has weighed in, claiming the game is not expected to be released until late 2023.

‘GTA 6’ may launch 10 years after ‘GTA V’

Many fans of the “Grand Theft Auto” video game series badly want to hear about the next game. This explains why the smallest possible details are often enough to revive speculations of the supposed imminent launch of “GTA 6.”

The National reported in late April that Rockstar was looking to hire new game testers, specifically for its office in Edinburgh, who would receive an annual payment of around £23,000 (~$31,900). While the report did not directly link the job listing to the “GTA 6” development, fans appeared to have taken it as another possible hint that the next game is on its way to being officially announced.

However, known movie leaker ViewerAnon clarified that game testing for unreleased titles can happen for years before the official launch, which is an accurate statement. Video games are being tested in different stages of their development, so Rockstar’s search for game testers does not necessarily mean “GTA 6” would be completed soon. Then, ViewerAnon said that the internally set release window for the next game is late 2023, which would be an entire decade since “GTA V” came out.

In a follow-up tweet, the tipster said fans should not expect a “GTA 6” official announcement before the next-gen upgrade of “GTA V” is released. The latter is slated to launch in the second half of 2021, but Rockstar has yet to reveal a specific date. The expanded and enhanced edition of the latest title will be timed exclusive on PS5.

‘GTA V’ sales could reach new milestones as fans wait for ‘GTA 6’

Even with the reported 2023 release window, fans cannot rule the possibility that “GTA 6” could be launched at a later time. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many game development timelines as studios and developers were forced to adapt to a work-from-home setup.

It is not impossible for the prolonged absence of “GTA 6” to draw more fans into buying the latest title “GTA V” or its upcoming upgraded version. Earlier this year, Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two Interactive confirmed that the game has sold 20 million copies in 2020, making its total unit sales 140 million since it launched in 2013.