'GTA 6' release date news: release pushed back by huge development costs?

A promotional image for "Grand Theft Auto V"Rockstar Games

Previously, it is said that the next installment in the "Grand Theft Auto" franchise will likely come out in 2018. However, speculations suggest that the massive development may delay the release to 2020.

According to Gamenguide, the massive development for "GTA 6" will likely be one disadvantage for its release schedule. Reportedly, with the new features and gameplay changes like VR support, developer Rockstar Games will likely go beyond its intended budget, which may spell delay on the upcoming game's release. While Rockstar Games has yet to confirm if production has already started on the project, it is noted that the current franchise game, "GTA V," cost $265 million to produce.

Getting over the budget is likely if the rumors about the upcoming game turn out to be true. It is said that the upcoming "GTA 6" will feature the largest location in the franchise, as the game will integrate previous "Grand Theft Auto" locations in a single map. Additionally, the new game will incorporate a more complex storyline, and it may even feature a female protagonist, a first in the franchise.

Rockstar Games has yet to confirm its intended release date for "GTA 6." However, it is expected that the next installment will come out in 2018 at the earliest, given past timelines of previous franchise releases. Normally, Rockstar Games has at least five years in between title releases. It also follows the pattern of the "Grand Theft Auto" series, as "GTA IV" was launched way back in 2008, while its sequel, "GTA V," hit the shelves in 2013.

Meanwhile, as fans wait for confirmed details on "GTA 6," Rockstar Games continues to update the current "GTA V" with a number of new fixes and updates, as well as expansion content. The developer has just released a new "Bikers" DLC for "GTA Online."