Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is one of the most anticipated games in the industry, but Rockstar Games hasn’t shared an exact release date yet.

They’ve only mentioned a planned launch for the fall of next year, assuming there are no delays.

For those in the northern hemisphere, fall means the months between September and November.

While GTA 6 fans are eagerly waiting, it seems this uncertainty is causing a ripple effect across the gaming industry.

A lot of other major games are also keeping their release dates under wraps, and some experts think it might be because of GTA 6.

Why Are Developers Hesitating?

According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, the buzz around GTA 6 is so intense that some game publishers are hesitant to announce their own release dates.

Schreier’s sources, who remain anonymous, suggested that studios want to avoid releasing their games too close to GTA 6, fearing they’ll be overshadowed.

“The publishers want to see whether GTA VI will meet its deadline or slip into 2026,” Schreier explained. “They’re determined to keep their games as far away as possible.”

This cautious approach makes sense.

Competing with Rockstar’s next big title would be tough for any game, no matter how popular.

Big Titles Waiting for the Right Moment

GTA 6 isn’t the only major game coming next year.

Titles like Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, Borderlands 4, and Elden Ring: Nightreign also haven’t confirmed their launch dates.

While delays and development hurdles could be part of the reason, some fans believe GTA 6’s massive hype is making developers nervous.

Fans React to GTA 6’s Dominance

The gaming community has had a lot to say about the situation. Many Reddit fans are amused by how much power Rockstar seems to hold over the industry.

“If I’m a developer, there’s no way I want to compete with Rockstar,” said one user.

Another joked, “Rockstar should wait until a week before launch to announce the date so nobody releases games at all for the year.”

Some even compared Rockstar’s influence to holding other developers “hostage,” as one fan humorously put it.

What’s Next for the Gaming Industry?

With so many developers waiting to see what Rockstar does, it’s clear that GTA 6 is shaping up to dominate the spotlight next year.

Hopefully, this doesn’t lead to all other major releases piling up in early 2026.

Fans of other franchises, like Horizon, are a bit concerned. Launching too close to GTA 6 could mean less attention for their favorite games.

But for now, all eyes are on Rockstar to see if they stick to their fall 2025 plan or push the game further into the future.

Either way, GTA 6’s impact on the gaming world is already massive—even before it’s out.