Rockstar Games' highly anticipated game, GTA 6, may experience delays in its release, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. The game, set in Vice City (a fictional take on Miami, Florida), was initially planned to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series in 2025, with an early 2025 release being the goal. However, it is becoming increasingly likely that the sequel might not hit the shelves until late 2025 or even slip into 2026 due to falling behind in production.

In February, it was reported by Bloomberg that Rockstar Games mandated its employees to return to work five days a week in the office starting in April. This sudden change and short notice caused frustration among staff members who had been hired remotely and feel like they are being pushed out. The move is said to be driven by concerns over security and quality, but unnamed sources reveal that development on GTA 6 has been falling behind, causing anxiety among Rockstar's leadership regarding meeting the 2025 release window.

While the company is still aiming for a Spring 2025 release, sources suggest that a Fall 2025 launch appears more plausible and feasible. In a worst-case scenario, delaying the game until 2026 is being considered as a fallback plan. Rockstar Games has a history of making last-minute changes, so it's unclear how these potential delays will affect the next trailer release.

Some employees have expressed concerns about a return to crunch culture as GTA 6 enters its final stages of development. They fear that the progress made in improving working conditions at Rockstar Games could be reversed. Recent projects have already witnessed crunch, which puts excessive pressure on the staff. Employees hope to maintain the positive strides the company has made in removing toxic work environments.

Even if GTA 6's release is pushed back internally or publicly delayed, there is a possibility that workers will still face crunch. Delays often lead to more demanding schedules for developers. It is evident that the final year of development for GTA 6 will be challenging and time-consuming as Rockstar Games strives to meet its early 2025 target.

Rockstar Games has been contacted by Kotaku for further comment on the matter. As the game's release date hangs in the balance, the gaming community eagerly awaits any updates on the progress of GTA 6.