Ex-Blizzard president Mike Ybarra believes that Rockstar holds the unique advantage of being able to launch GTA 6 whenever it chooses, as other publishers will adjust their release schedules to avoid its dominance.
Publishers frequently alter release dates to steer clear of competing with other major launches, but Ybarra asserts that GTA 6 is such a juggernaut that Rockstar isn’t worried about other games overshadowing it.
According to an IGN piece speculating on GTA 6’s potential release date in relation to Borderlands 4‘s recently announced September 23 release, Ybarra stated:
“GTA 6 is the king. They have no concern over who announces what. Everyone will shift their release date out of the way as soon as they declare the launch date for GTA 6. It’s truly the only game that wields such power these days.”
GTA 6 is the king. They do not mind who announces what. Everyone will adjust their release out of the way as soon as they shout the ship date for GTA 6. It’s indeed the only game that possesses the influence to do this today. https://t.co/GVYyxi7xRYFebruary 13, 2025
Ybarra reaffirmed in a tweet that it would be wise for both Rockstar and Gearbox to avoid launching games too close together. “[Borderlands 4] doesn’t matter,” he remarked. “[Rockstar] is independent from anyone, even their publisher.”
Additionally, Ybarra added, “in some respects, [Borderlands] should be at least 6 months apart from it or it risks being overshadowed.” Wow, Borderlands 4 is receiving some serious backlash.
GTA 6 has yet to announce an official release date, but Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two recently reassured fans that it is still on track for a launch this Fall despite the ongoing risk of delays.
Ybarra concurred with a commenter that an October release is likely and anticipated a PC version to launch around June to “create some distance.”