Similar to Resident Evil, There’s No Need for GTA 6 to Be the Series’ Finale

It’s been a long anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6, as fans have eagerly awaited the next chapter in the acclaimed series. With over ten years since GTA 5 hit the shelves, there’s a lot of curiosity about what this new installment might bring and what it means for the future of the franchise. News about GTA 6 could drop at any moment, but what comes next is anybody’s guess. Given the lengthy gap between releases, it’s tempting to think that GTA 6 might mark the end for Rockstar, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the finale.

Part of the reason for the long wait might be the reportedly enormous scope of GTA 6. It’s so expansive that Rockstar might consider closing the curtain on the series after this launch. Yet, when envisioning GTA’s future, Rockstar might find valuable lessons from the Resident Evil series.

Resident Evil 6 was a pivotal entry for the franchise. The mixed reactions it received cast doubt on its future, leading to a substantial gap before the next game. Though the wait between Resident Evil 6 and 7 was only five years—significantly shorter than the 12-year stretch between GTA 5 and 6—the pause risked diminishing fans’ enthusiasm. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case, as RE7 rekindled interest with its release.

While there are sky-high expectations for GTA 6, this game might not just be an endpoint—it could launch a new era for the franchise. It’s too soon to know for sure, but Rockstar’s flagship series holds the potential for longevity comparable to iconic names like Resident Evil and Final Fantasy.

Adding to the excitement, Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, has a scheduled earnings call on February 6. This has sparked fan theories about a possible new trailer release on that day, though it’s purely speculative at this point.

As for Rockstar’s next plans, they are anyone’s guess. Whether they choose to develop another Red Dead Redemption sequel or venture into an original IP remains to be seen. Regardless, the anticipated success of GTA 6 might spotlight Rockstar’s focus even further on the franchise, though they’ll face challenges whichever direction they choose to go.

Furthermore, financial experts from DFC Intelligence predict GTA 6 could generate a staggering $3.2 billion in its debut year. This figure underscores the game’s potential impact and could drive Rockstar to streamline the franchise, reducing the time between future installments.

GTA 6 is poised to dominate 2025’s gaming scene. According to IDG Consulting CEO Yoshio Osaki, this release could be, “one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, not just in games but across all media.” If these grand expectations come to fruition, Rockstar could innovate ways to keep the series fresh without such prolonged intervals. Meanwhile, reports hint that GTA 6’s impending release might be prompting other developers to reconsider their own launch schedules to avoid being overshadowed. Despite the endless wait, GTA remains a titan in the industry, and its influence is poised to keep growing. Whether GTA 6 will serve as a stunning swan song or the first step toward an even grander future is something only time will reveal.