Even with GTA 6’s May 2026 launch still ahead, Rockstar Games is already planning its next era. In a CNBC interview, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed the studio is actively developing “a lot of other things” beyond its upcoming blockbuster – igniting furious speculation about which beloved franchises could return or what new worlds might emerge.
The Four Most Likely Candidates
Based on fan demand, insider hints, and Rockstar’s history, these projects lead the speculation:
1. Red Dead Redemption 3
- Why: RDR2’s critical/commercial success (50M+ sales)
- Potential Setting: Young Dutch Van der Linde’s gang formation or Jack Marston’s Prohibition era
- Fan Priority: Topped most “want” polls since 2020
2. Bully 2
- Why: Cult classic with untapped potential (16M+ sales)
- Potential Setting: New characters at Bullworth or sister school
- Development History: Canceled in 2013 but frequently revisited
3. L.A. Noire 2
- Why: Surprise 2011 hit (7M+ sales) with unique detective gameplay
- Potential Setting: 1970s noir or new city/era
- Ownership: Rockstar fully controls IP after Team Bondi dissolution
4. New IP
- Why: Rockstar’s first original franchise since Midnight Club (2008)
- Rumored Settings: Medieval fantasy or sci-fi (per job listings)
- Risk Factor: High but aligned with Zelnick’s innovation pushes
Realistic Timeline Expectations
| Project | Earliest Release | Development Status |
|---|---|---|
| GTA 6 Online Support | 2026-2030 | Active |
| Bully 2 / L.A. Noire 2 | 2029-2030 | Pre-production |
| New IP | 2031-2032 | Early prototyping |
| Red Dead Redemption 3 | 2033-2035 | Story planning |
Note: All dates assume Grand Theft Auto VI launches smoothly without major delays.
Fan Reactions: Dream vs. Reality
The revelation sparked passionate debates:
- Optimists: “Bully 2 in 2028, L.A. Noire 2 in 2029, RDR3 in 2030!”
- Realists: “RDR3 and Grand Theft Auto VI are all we need. Everything else is a bonus.”
- Pessimists: “GTA Online 2 will consume all resources until 2030.”
Why This Matters Now
- Workplace Morale: Retains talent post-GTA 6 crunch
- Investor Confidence: Shows long-term planning beyond one title
- Player Excitement: Builds hype for Rockstar’s “next decade”
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Map Size Debate Ignited by Official Artwork Tease
- GTA 6 on Xbox Series S – Why Fans Trust Rockstar’s Optimization Magic
- GTA 6 Story Mode Dilemma – Players Fear Spoilers in Race to Finish
Key Takeaways
- No Official Announcements: Zelnick teased without confirming specifics
- GTA 6 remains priority: All resources focused on May 2026 launch
- PC Version Pending: No mention of Grand Theft Auto VI PC release timeline
- Manage Expectations: Earliest new game likely 2028-2029
Rockstar’s next project won’t be revealed until after GTA 6’s launch. For now, all eyes remain on Vice City.