With Grand Theft Auto VI now delayed to November 2026, the industry is asking tough questions. How does the movement of one of gaming’s biggest releases affect the rest of the business? Some analysts are even speculating whether the delay might ripple outward possibly influencing the timeline for next-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft.
An Unusual Thought Experiment
The idea surfaced from Piers Harding-Rolls, research director at Ampere Analysis. Speaking recently, he floated a scenario that caught attention: “Could the late arrival of GTA VI delay the launch of next-gen consoles?”
His reasoning is straightforward. Rockstar’s juggernaut has long been a key driver of hardware sales, both at release and across several years. If GTA VI arrives later in the console cycle, Sony and Microsoft might prefer to stretch the lifespan of the current generation to capture that sales boost. Harding-Rolls’ firm currently forecasts a next-gen PlayStation and Xbox debuting in late 2027, but he suggests a one-year slide to 2028 is plausible if companies decide to “ride the GTA VI wave.”
Why the Argument Has Weight
The current console generation has seen slower adoption than expected. Hardware shortages following the pandemic, rising costs, and global economic instability have all tempered demand. Analysts note that many consumers are waiting specifically for GTA VI a current-gen exclusive to justify upgrading. If those purchases happen later, console makers may hesitate to shift focus toward new hardware too soon.
In short, Rockstar’s delay could indirectly stretch the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S lifecycle simply by postponing a major trigger for late-cycle hardware sales.
Analysts Push Back on the Theory
Not everyone agrees. George Jijiashvili of Omdia argues that delaying next-gen consoles for a single title doesn’t make sense strategically. “Assuming Sony aims for a late-2027 window, that’s already a full year after GTA 6 launches,” he said. “Why postpone an entire generation for extra sales a year later?” He added that like GTA V before it, GTA VI will likely continue supporting the existing platforms for years after release.
Rhys Elliott, head of market analysis at Alinea Analytics, echoed the point. “Console launches are planned years in advance,” he said. “Manufacturing contracts, chip supply, logistics all of it locks early. Shifting timelines around a single game would expose Sony and Microsoft to unnecessary risk.” He also noted that tying a console strategy to a moving release date would be “a dangerous anchor.”
What to Watch Next
Even if the GTA VI delay doesn’t alter next-gen release schedules, it will almost certainly influence the market. Expect publishers to reshuffle 2026’s release calendar, with some titles now dodging the November spotlight. Meanwhile, all eyes will remain on Rockstar’s next move because whether it’s game sales or console strategy, few releases move the industry quite like Grand Theft Auto.