Rockstar Games revealed it initially intended to develop GTA 6 alongside Red Dead Redemption 2, but the western sequel’s ambitious scope forced the studio to prioritize it. Rob Nelson, Rockstar North’s co-studio head, stated that dedicating resources to Red Dead Redemption 2 allowed GTA 6 to leverage its systems, though this decision extended the game’s development timeline significantly.
The first public release window for GTA 6 was set for 2025, but delays caused bewilderment for Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar’s head of publishing, recalled informing Zelnick about the need for more time, noting his initial disbelief before understanding the challenges.
GTA 6’s development included intricate systems like a realistic sweat mechanism for characters, which contributed to its prolonged creation. Bloomberg reported that Rockstar’s focus on detailed gameplay mechanics, such as perspiration based on physical exertion, highlighted the project’s scale.
Rockstar’s head of development, Aaron Garbut, described the 2022 leak of GTA 6 footage as invasive, comparing it to "somebody’s wading through your dirty washing." The studio tightened security measures, including a return-to-office policy requiring employees to work five days a week, after the leak. Despite these steps, additional leaks occurred, underscoring the challenges of protecting high-profile projects.