In a recent report by Kotaku, it is revealed that Rockstar Games may have to delay the highly anticipated GTA 6 until as late as 2026 if production issues persist due to a controversial mandate to return remote workers to the company's physical offices. The new policy has sparked frustration among employees, leading to concerns about potential crunch.

According to the report, many staff members were hired as remote workers and the sudden change caught them off guard, with some feeling like they are being pushed out. The unwanted return-to-office mandate has created a sense of discontent within the company. This dissatisfaction could potentially lead to issues with productivity and delays in the development process.

Currently, Rockstar Games is targeting a Spring 2025 release window for GTA 6. However, sources from Kotaku suggest that work on the highly anticipated game is already falling behind schedule, raising the possibility of a delay to the end of next year. Additionally, the report indicates that pushing the release to 2026 is being considered as an emergency option by the company.

Rockstar Games justifies the mandate by citing "security and quality" as the primary reasons for a return to in-person work starting next month. However, the imposition of this policy has caused concerns among employees and has raised questions about the impact it will have on the development timeline.

GTA 6 was confirmed for release on the PS5 late last year and garnered significant attention with its record-breaking trailer. The trailer revealed a return to the iconic Vice City setting and introduced main characters Lucia and Jason. However, since then, Rockstar Games has remained relatively tight-lipped, withholding any new details or footage. Fans eagerly await a second trailer, though it is presumed to still be months away.

As the release date for GTA 6 looms, the remote work mandate and its potential impact on production present a significant obstacle for Rockstar Games. With internal dissatisfaction and concerns about the increased possibility of a delay, fans will have to wait and see whether their highly anticipated gaming experience will be postponed until 2026.