A former Rockstar Games developer has suggested that the extended development cycle of Grand Theft Auto 6 may be due to a complete rebuild of the studio’s RAGE engine. The title has been in development for over a decade, marking the longest gap between major releases in the franchise since Grand Theft Auto V launched in 2013.

According to the former developer, advancements in technology since GTA 5 could justify a full engine overhaul, potentially explaining the multiple delays that pushed the release date to November 19, 2026. The speculation aligns with visible improvements seen in official trailers, which use in-engine footage, indicating significant upgrades in graphics and systems compared to previous Rockstar titles.