Rumors are rife that Rockstar Games is currently developing a sixth main installment to the popular "Grand Theft Auto" franchise. The game developer is still keeping details regarding "Grand Theft Auto VI" under wraps, which is understandable since Rockstar wouldn't want to spoil the game prior to the title's launch. However, it is expected that "GTA VI" will not be released anytime soon, with the earliest possible launch sometime in 2022.

With the huge success of "Grand Theft Auto V," it is not surprising that Rockstar would want to continue the "GTA" series with a sixth installment. However, fans should not expect "Grand Theft Auto VI" to arrive next year, or even the year after that, as Rockstar has a lot on its plate at the moment. First and foremost, the game studio will be busy this year with the launch of "Red Dead Redemption 2" in October. 

Rockstar has also been focused on the online mode of "Grand Theft Auto V," providing new content for the players almost every month. This is expected to continue through the coming years, as long as the game remains profitable. However, this could also be the reason why Rockstar is not planning to release "Grand Theft Auto VI" right away.

A recent video discussion from the YouTube channel The Know also mentions that "Grand Theft Auto VI" is more likely to be released sometime in 2021 or 2022. Although, Rockstar is known for delaying the release date of their upcoming titles, and the public can usually expect at least a one-year delay from the tentative release date initially set by the company.

After "Grand Theft Auto III," there has been usually a three to four-year gap between the succeeding "GTA" installments. There was a four-year gap between "GTA: San Andreas" and "Grand Theft Auto IV," while fans have waited almost five years for the release of "Grand Theft Auto V."

If "Grand Theft Auto VI" were to be released in 2022, this will be the longest waiting period for any "GTA" title. Per GameSpot, Rockstar could be treating "Grand Theft Auto V" as its most prized possession, raking in up to $90 million since the game launched back in 2013. There is certainly pressure on the studio to make "Grand Theft Auto VI" be as successful as its predecessor, especially in terms of profitability.