• “GTA 6” is Rockstar Games' rumored sequel to GTA 5 that will likely be released for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.

“GTA 6” is Rockstar Games' rumored sequel to GTA 5 that will likely be released for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. (Photo : YouTube/Gtchy1230)

"Grand Theft Auto 5" was released three years ago, and now it seems like Rockstar has delayed the announcement of the next installment in the "GTA" franchise. Rumors have it that the success of "GTA Online" could be playing a central role in the delay of the release of "GTA 6."

Currently, the game developer has shifted focus to release new contents, special events, and deals for "GTA Online." The move has proven very lucrative for Rockstar. While "Grand Theft Auto Online" is free to play, it has numerous microtransactions to not only help players improve their gameplay experience, but also benefit the developer company.

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Recently, Leslie Benzie, the former president of Rockstar North, filed a lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive. The move revealed that "GTA Online" has earned at least $500 million from microtransactions, GameSpot reported. However, the earnings do not come as a surprise for Rockstar since over 8 million gamers reportedly play the game every week.

Because of the success of "Grand Theft Auto Online," the game developer finds no reason to release "GTA 6" now. There are reports that Rockstar has not yet released any DLC for "GTA 5." Instead of developing "Grand Theft Auto 5" storyline, the game developer is concentrating of selling cars, properties, outfits, and weapons to loyal customers.

Meanwhile, the success of "GTA Online" will affect the release date of "Grand Theft Auto 6," according to Forbes. When the game developer will eventually decide to push through with the next installment in the "GTA" series, there are high chances that it will include many aspects that made "GTA Online" so popular and lucrative.

For now, it seems as if Rockstar has delayed "Grand Theft Auto 6" indefinitely. Speculations have it that the earliest likely release date for "GTA 6" is 2018.

"GTA Online" is currently available for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC. Fans will have to remain patient to have an official word from Rockstar concerning its next installment in the "GTA" franchise.

Watch the footage below to have a glimpse of what "GTA 6" will look like when it finally comes out.