GTA 6 has been in development for approximately 8 years as of early 2026. Multiple sources, including statements from former Rockstar developers, pinpoint the start right after Red Dead Redemption 2 wrapped up in 2018. With a planned launch in May 2026, this makes it one of the longest development cycles in gaming history, fueled by Rockstar's push for unprecedented scale and quality.

Development Start Date

Former Rockstar artist David O'Reilly, who contributed from 2018 to 2023, confirmed work began immediately post-RDR2 release. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick noted "earnest" full production kicked off in 2020, though pre- production likely started earlier around 2018. This timeline aligns with leaks and rumors dating back years, evolving from "Project Americas" concepts in the mid-2010s.

Key Timeline Milestones

  • 2018 : Core team shifts from RDR2; early asset work begins.
  • 2019-2020 : Story writing, auditions, and pre-production ramp up amid COVID disruptions.
  • 2022 : First trailer drops, confirming Vice City-inspired setting.
  • 2025 : Multiple delays announced; latest target is May 2026.
  • Current (Jan 2026) : Nearing completion, with recent screenshots fueling hype.

By launch, expect over 8 years total—longer than the 5-year gap between GTA 4 and 5.

Forum and Expert Views

Reddit discussions debate nuances: some argue pre-production traces to 2014, but full production consensus is late 2018/early 2019. Leaks (2019 footage, 2022 build) support steady progress despite setbacks like remote work in 2020. Fans highlight how this marathon dev cycle promises revolutionary open-world tech, dwarfing GTA 5's ongoing success (launched 2013).

"I worked on GTA 6 from 2018 to 2023. Went onto it after we wrapped up on RDR2." – David O'Reilly

Why So Long?

Rockstar's perfectionism drives massive scopes: advanced AI, dynamic weather, and a duo-protagonist story in a Florida-inspired world. Budget rumors exceed $2 billion, justifying the wait after GTA 5's $8B+ earnings. Compared to peers, it's not unprecedented—RDR2 took 7 years—but GTA's cultural weight amplifies scrutiny.

TL;DR : Full dev since 2018 (8 years by May 2026 launch); pre-work possibly earlier. Hype builds as delays ensure polish.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.