'GTA 6' release date, news: Game to be delayed until 2020?

Promo image for the new "Bikers" DLC for "Grand Theft Auto V."Rockstar Games Newswire

Fans will have to wait longer for a new installment of the "Grand Theft Auto" franchise. Speculations suggest that "GTA 6" will get a delayed release, and it may even set its launch date as late as 2020.

Speculations suggest that Rockstar Games is continuously enjoying the moneymaker that is "GTA Online," the online multiplayer content for "GTA V." The creative team reportedly keeps on focusing on the post-launch content for the game, and a large pool of developers are assigned to DLCs, leaving only a handful of people working on the pre-production for "GTA 6." Indeed, continuous updates keep getting launched for "GTA Online." Just recently, a new "Bikers" DLC has been launched for the game. Rumor has it that Rockstar Games still have some more expansion packages coming out, including the much-rumored casino and gambling-themed DLCs.

However, "GTA 6" is rumored to feature the biggest content for the franchise, so a big team of developers is likely needed. This dovetails with recent reports on one reason for a delayed release. Supposedly, the massive development of the upcoming game will need a huge capital, and Rockstar Games is afraid to go over its intended budget.

A big budget for "GTA 6" is highly possible. Even if the extent of its massive development is still unclear, looking at the numbers for previous games already spell it out. "GTA V," for example, needed $265 million in total costs.

Previously, it is said that fans expect "GTA 6" to hit the shelves by 2018. Although, publisher Rockstar Games have yet to come out with confirmed details, the timeline has been established by previous releases in the "Grand Theft Auto" series. Based on previous game launches, Rockstar Games normally allows at least five years in-between releases. The previous-gen "GTA IV" was launched way back in 2008, while its sequel, "GTA V," was released in 2013.