Game publishers talk challenges of GTA 6 launch in new report: “We don’t want to be anywhere near that” – Eurogamer

🔍 Summary:

The gaming industry is currently facing significant strategic challenges due to the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), which lacks a confirmed launch date. According to a new report, game publishers are struggling to schedule their own releases to avoid clashing with Rockstar Games’ highly expected sequel. Industry executives have expressed concerns about GTA 6 dominating the market upon its release, drawing significant consumer time and money, which could overshadow other games launched around the same time.

Andrew Wilson of EA previously indicated that they might adjust the release of the new Battlefield game to steer clear of GTA 6’s launch window. This sentiment is echoed by other top executives who are actively devising multiple launch strategies to either pre-empt or follow GTA 6’s debut, aiming to avoid the critical “fall” period that Take-Two Interactive has hinted for GTA 6. The uncertainty is causing stress among publishers, as shifting their game releases could collide with other major sales events like Black Friday, or lead to further delays if GTA 6’s launch date changes.

The report also highlights the impact on live service games, with developers planning to adjust their update schedules to avoid the period immediately around GTA 6’s release. This is due to the expected market dominance of GTA 6, similar to the release of GTA 5, which captured a significant share of game revenue and sales during its launch period.

Overall, the lack of a specific release date for GTA 6 is creating widespread disruption and strategic headaches across the gaming industry, as publishers and developers try to navigate the potential market upheaval it will cause.

📌 Source: https://www.eurogamer.net/game-publishers-talk-challenges-of-gta-6-launch-in-new-report-we-dont-want-to-be-anywhere-near-that