Freshly leaked information suggests that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been in the making for nearly a decade, shedding light on Rockstar’s prolonged and productive development approach. Previous Grand Theft Auto entries, such as GTA 5’s inception in 2008 and GTA 4’s commencement in 2004, have demonstrated the studio’s dedication to crafting intricate gaming experiences.
A former Rockstar employee’s LinkedIn profile has recently emerged, offering intriguing insights into the timeline of GTA 6’s development. The individual, Jon Young, a former Rockstar Research Video Editor, indicated that he contributed to GTA 6‘s creation from 2015 to 2018, marking a period of three years. This disclosure strongly suggests that the development of the highly anticipated game began no later than 2015, potentially coinciding with the spring release of GTA 5’s coveted PC version.
The LinkedIn profile also provides an unexpected revelation regarding the Bully series. Young mentions his involvement in the development of not only Bully 2, which is widely recognized to have been in progress before being canceled, but also hints at a possible Bully 3 project. While Bully 2’s existence and cancellation are established facts, this is the first indication that another sequel may have been under consideration.
Young’s role as a producer of “internal journalism” and his handling of location shoots for the support of various departments imply that he was engaged in Rockstar’s projects from their earliest stages. While the details do not confirm whether Bully 3 progressed beyond the pre-production phase, it is known that Bully 2 had made significant headway by around 2010 before its eventual termination. Reports from insiders suggested that Rockstar New England had achieved the completion of approximately six hours of playable content before the project’s discontinuation.
Turning attention back to the much-awaited Grand Theft Auto installment, this new information indicates that GTA 6’s development timeline has already surpassed twice the duration of its predecessor’s. This revelation could signal that the anticipation for the game might finally be reaching its conclusion. Notably, a reputable leaker recently speculated that GTA 6 is targeting a potential holiday 2024 release, raising hopes for an impending launch.