The biggest game of all time is about to release next year: GTA VI

But why does the Grand Theft Auto series do so well with each new release?

According to Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser, the games are so popular because “they don’t come out that regularly” and are different enough than the last game.

GTA is the most iconic franchise in video game history. Those who don’t play games know about the series in one form or another. Mainstream media will most likely be covering the release of Rockstar's GTA VI upon release next year. It will most certainly take the world by storm, and with good reason.

Dan Houser, someone who rarely appears on podcasts, joined the Lex Fridman Podcast and openly discussed the Grand Theft Auto series among other games and more. GTA V released in 2013, and with Rockstar’s next entry in the series set to launch in 2026, 13 years later, the team takes their time with their releases. Which Dan explains as to why the series is so special and popular. They don’t release a new game every year, or for that matter, every couple of years.

“Because they don’t come out that regularly. And I think we did a really good job of constantly innovating within what the IP was. The games always felt different, you know, people have very strong feelings: ‘I like this one. I didn’t like that one as much,’ because they are pretty different. So, there would be simultaneously where you know what’s going to happen.”

“It’s a Grand Theft Auto, you know, it’s going to be a game about being a criminal, but the way it’s going to be a game is going to change quite a lot. So, I think the way the IP kept evolving made people really excited to play it.

“And we were good at marketing them as well. We really tried to market them in a way that felt like an update of classic film marketing, where you really felt like you’re already in the product just because you’d seen the trailers and stuff.”

Analysts are predicting that GTA 6 will be the biggest game launch in history. One firm is estimating the game will generate $7.6 billion in revenue within the first 60 days of its May 26, 2026, release…60 DAYS…$7.6 BILLION in 60 days, that is unheard of in any entertainment IP.

GTA VI was initially intended to release this year, putting fear in many studios of where to release their game, to not get swept away in the wake of the largest release in history. When the game was eventually delayed until May 26th, studios began to breathe easier, knowing when the juggernaut title would release. (unless delayed again) This will help studios in planning when to release their game — before or after GTA VI drops, everyone will move out of the way when the game is released, knowing whatever title is to release around the same time as GTA VI will be swallowed up by Rockstar's release.

Speaking with one source, I was told that studios didn’t know what to do about releasing their game without knowing the release of GTA VI. They want the game to have its moment before GTA VI and be able to shine without getting forgotten within seconds of the massive Rockstar title. Stress levels were incredibly high without knowing when Rockstar would release GTA VI. Everyone can breathe easy now.

What do you think about the hype of GTA VI? Are you all in, or passing? Let us know.