Summary
Rockstar Games has long been known for delivering high-quality experiences in its games, which is evidenced in the longevity and realism offered in two of its more recent titles,Grand Theft Auto 5andRed Dead Redemption 2. However, now that both of these franchises have arguably had their heyday, it’s worth considering whatRockstar Gamesmight be able to do with a completely different IP, following the release ofGrand Theft Auto 6, of course.
While it would be understandable for anyone to desire a new IP from Rockstar Games, especially onceRed DeadandGrand Theft Autobegin showing their age, it’s unlikely to happen within the next ten years in light of where things are at currently for the developer. Not only isGrand Theft Auto 6Rockstar Games' current top priority, butRed Dead Redemption 3is likely to follow, making the release of a new IP from the developer less likely to happen very soon.
Why Rockstar Is Unlikely to Launch a New IP in the Next Ten Years
Grand Theft Auto 6 Is the Next Game on Rockstar’s Docket
At the moment, all eyes are onGrand Theft Auto 6, and while it’s expected to launch sometime this year, its release date has become something of a meme at this point, since over a decade has passed since the last game. Nevertheless, withGrand Theft Auto 6slated for a 2025 launch, Rockstar Games is likely focusing most of its efforts on ensuring the launch of the latest installment in theGTAseries goes smoothly and it is in tip-top shape for players who have long been awaiting its arrival. This alone slows things down for Rockstar Games, potentially delaying any plans for a new IP in the future.
While there is currently no confirmation of its development or release date, one can only assume that Rockstar Games plans to releaseRed Dead Redemption 3followingGrand Theft Auto 6. In a 2021 interview at the Jefferies Virtual Global Interactive Entertainment Conference, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, compared theRed DeadandGrand Theft Autofranchisesto enduring series like James Bond, implying that as long as the games remain of high quality, they will continue. In light of that, Rockstar’s priority is ensuring both of those franchises are given attention first, which means it’s only a matter of time beforeRed Dead Redemption 3launches following the release ofGrand Theft Auto 6.
While there is currently no confirmation of its development or release date, one can only assume that Rockstar Games plans to releaseRed Dead Redemption 3followingGrand Theft Auto 6.
Assuming there are at least 8 years betweenRed Dead Redemption 2andRed Dead Redemption 3, as there were between the firstRed Dead Redemptionand its sequel, the third game in the series may not launch until at least 2027 or 2028, and that’s most likely a generous estimate. IfRed Dead Redemption 3launched even later, such as in the early 2030s, that would put even more time between it and a potential new IP from Rockstar. Furthermore, since there were 5 years betweenGrand Theft Auto 5andRed Dead Redemption 2, it makes sense to expect at least another 5 years betweenRed Dead Redemption 3and a new IP from Rockstar, driving a release window for said potential new IP into the mid-to-late 2030s.
When all is said and done, there may never be anew IP from Rockstar Games, especially if it continues to deliver with itsRed DeadandGrand Theft Autofranchises. It could be that the developer never sees enough reason to depart from its strengths, and it continues to focus its efforts on the two series it is most known for. However, at some point, bothRed DeadandGrand Theft Autowill face the reaper, whether they like it or not. The only question is how soon that could happen, and whether it will mean a brand-new IP from Rockstar Games in the next decade. Nevertheless, it makes sense not to expect anything from Rockstar other thanRed DeadandGTAover the next 10 years.
Grand Theft Auto 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Grand Theft Auto VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series yet.Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.
