When did gta 6 start development?

Grand Theft Auto 6, or GTA 6, has become one of the most anticipated video game releases of the decade. With fans eager for any morsel of information about its development, one of the most frequently asked questions is When did GTA 6 start development? The answer is not as straightforward as fans might hope, largely due to Rockstar Games' secretive approach. However, by piecing together official statements, leaks, and industry timelines, we can begin to outline a reasonable estimation of when GTA 6 first entered development.

Initial Concept and Planning Stages

While Rockstar Games never publicly revealed the exact start date of GTA 6’s development, industry insiders and investigative journalists have uncovered clues suggesting that the early conceptual stages may have begun as far back as 2014 or 2015. This would place the initial planning shortly after the release of Grand Theft Auto V on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

It's common for game developers of Rockstar's scale to begin laying groundwork for future projects even while polishing or expanding current titles. Given the massive success of GTA V, it is likely that exploratory meetings, initial design concepts, and narrative themes started taking form not too long after that game's success was secured.

Pre-Production and Engine Work

By 2016 to 2017, Rockstar may have transitioned from conceptual design into early pre-production. This phase typically includes world-building, prototyping gameplay systems, and refining the game engine. Reports have indicated that Rockstar began upgrading its RAGE game engine during this time, laying the technical foundation for next-gen development.

Several job listings during this period also hinted at the studio seeking developers with expertise in open-world design, AI systems, and next-generation console optimization, all of which align with preparations for a massive title like GTA 6.

Post-Red Dead Redemption 2 Focus Shift

One key milestone in GTA 6’s timeline is the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. Rockstar is known for focusing its development efforts on one major project at a time, so it is likely that full-scale production on GTA 6 didn’t truly ramp up until after Red Dead Redemption 2 was completed and launched.

Following the release of RDR2, a number of Rockstar devs shifted attention to their next project. By late 2018 or early 2019, a significant portion of the company was presumably working on GTA 6. This aligns with statements from inside sources claiming that GTA 6 was in active development by 2019.

Leaks and Confirmation

In 2020, major leaks and rumors began circulating online, providing more definitive evidence that GTA 6 was well into development. These included alleged in-game footage, location details, and insights into the game’s story structure. Although Rockstar did not confirm these leaks at the time, many were later corroborated by the infamous 2022 hack that exposed actual gameplay footage and development builds.

Finally, in 2022, Rockstar officially acknowledged that the next installment in the GTA series was in active development, reaffirming what many already suspected. This official confirmation solidified what had been rumored for years - that GTA 6 was indeed in production and had been for some time.

Conclusion

While the exact date GTA 6 entered development remains undisclosed, careful analysis of available evidence suggests that early planning began around 2014 to 2015, with full-scale production likely beginning around 2018 or 2019 following the release of Red Dead Redemption 2. Rockstar's confirmation in 2022 only added assurance to these assessments, and as fans await the next big reveal or the eventual release date, understanding GTA 6’s development journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of an iconic game.