Games

Why It's Unlikely Rockstar Will Put Out a New IP Very Soon

Published

19 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Christoph Rediske

Summary

Table of Contents

Rockstar Games is unlikely to launch a new IP within the next decade due to the upcoming releases of GTA 6 and possibly Red Dead Redemption 3.
GTA 6 is the current focus, set for a 2025 launch, potentially delaying any plans for a new IP.
If Red Dead Redemption 3 follows GTA 6, it might not release until at least 2027-2028, delaying any new IP even further.

Rockstar Games has long been known for delivering high-quality experiences in its games, which is evidenced in the longevity and realism offered in two of its more recent titles, Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2. However, now that both of these franchises have arguably had their heyday, it’s worth considering what Rockstar Games might be able to do with a completely different IP, following the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, of course.

While it would be understandable for anyone to desire a new IP from Rockstar Games, especially once Red Dead and Grand Theft Auto begin showing their age, it’s unlikely to happen within the next ten years in light of where things are at currently for the developer. Not only is Grand Theft Auto 6 Rockstar Games’ current top priority, but Red Dead Redemption 3 is likely to follow, making the release of a new IP from the developer less likely to happen very soon.

What to Expect From Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025

Grand Theft Auto 6 might be one of the most anticipated games of all time, but going into 2025, managing expectations is key.

Why Rockstar Is Unlikely to Launch a New IP in the Next Ten Years

Grand Theft Auto 6 Is the Next Game on Rockstar’s Docket

At the moment, all eyes are on Grand Theft Auto 6, and while it’s expected to launch sometime this year, its release date has become something of a meme at this point, since over a decade has passed since the last game. Nevertheless, with Grand Theft Auto 6 slated for a 2025 launch, Rockstar Games is likely focusing most of its efforts on ensuring the launch of the latest installment in the GTA series goes smoothly and it is in tip-top shape for players who have long been awaiting its arrival. This alone slows things down for Rockstar Games, potentially delaying any plans for a new IP in the future.

Red Dead Redemption 3 Will Likely Follow GTA 6

While there is currently no confirmation of its development or release date, one can only assume that Rockstar Games plans to release Red Dead Redemption 3 following Grand Theft Auto 6. In a 2021 interview at the Jefferies Virtual Global Interactive Entertainment Conference, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, compared the Red Dead and Grand Theft Auto franchises to enduring series like James Bond, implying that as long as the games remain of high quality, they will continue. In light of that, Rockstar’s priority is ensuring both of those franchises are given attention first, which means it’s only a matter of time before Red Dead Redemption 3 launches following the release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

While there is currently no confirmation of its development or release date, one can only assume that Rockstar Games plans to release Red Dead Redemption 3 following Grand Theft Auto 6.

Assuming there are at least 8 years between Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Redemption 3, as there were between the first Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, the third game in the series may not launch until at least 2027 or 2028, and that’s most likely a generous estimate. If Red Dead Redemption 3 launched even later, such as in the early 2030s, that would put even more time between it and a potential new IP from Rockstar. Furthermore, since there were 5 years between Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, it makes sense to expect at least another 5 years between Red Dead Redemption 3 and a new IP from Rockstar, driving a release window for said potential new IP into the mid-to-late 2030s.

When all is said and done, there may never be a new IP from Rockstar Games, especially if it continues to deliver with its Red Dead and Grand Theft Auto franchises. It could be that the developer never sees enough reason to depart from its strengths, and it continues to focus its efforts on the two series it is most known for. However, at some point, both Red Dead and Grand Theft Auto will face the reaper, whether they like it or not. The only question is how soon that could happen, and whether it will mean a brand-new IP from Rockstar Games in the next decade. Nevertheless, it makes sense not to expect anything from Rockstar other than Red Dead and GTA over the next 10 years.