It has been speculated for some time that "Grand Theft Auto 6" will be out on store shelves by 2018, at least if Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive manage to follow the release pattern of previous games. However, according to a report from the Master Herald, there are a few things that need to happen first.

The report cites that if the game is to hit its expected launch date of 2018 then the developers need to begin working on the title as soon as the latter half of 2016. It is stated that Rockstar Games is currently pre-occupied with the need to continue pumping out new content for "Grand Theft Auto Online" and that this may impede their availability for "GTA 6."

However, the 2018 launch date is a very optimistic view that experts in the gaming community reportedly do not share. It is further explained that experts think that since the 2018 release window is merely based on the release pattern of previous titles, it should be considered as pure speculation.

A proper release window will be announced once Rockstar Games has begun working on the game. When developers have officially initiated production on a game is normally when they also announce a vague release window for the title. At this point, however, Rockstar Games is solely focused on "GTA Online."

It is also pointed out that Rockstar is no stranger to delays. The "Heist" event for "GTA Online" was promised for Spring 2014 but the content did not release until later in the year. It is likely that the developers will have to catch up on "GTA Online" before dedicating more time for a sixth major installment in the main franchise.

As it stands at the moment, "Grand Theft Auto 6" is unlikely to release in 2018 unless Rockstar Games confirms they have already begun working on the game some time ago.