The new postponement of Grand Theft Auto VI continues to make the industry react. And this time, it’s a respected name in the video game scene who speaks: Emil Pagliarulo, design director at Bethesda Game Studios. For him, this postponement is not a step backwards, but a beneficial strategic choice.
“GTA [6] just got pushed back again, which was the smartest thing they could have done,” he told Game Informer. Rockstar, accustomed to successful games and titanic open worlds, is not used to botching its productions, and the American developer seems to want to stay true to this reputation.
A game of this magnitude takes time, and Rockstar knows that better than anyone
For Pagliarulo, the reasons for the postponement are clear. “Because a game of the size of these games not only takes a long time to make, but also a lot of time to polish and fix bugs. »
The creative director asks players a simple question: “Do they want a game that comes out too soon and doesn’t meet their expectations?” Or do they prefer turkey that simmers long enough to taste delicious right out of the oven? »
Clearly, it is better to have a successful game in six months than a botched game in three. The example of Cyberpunk 2077released prematurely, remains in everyone’s minds, just like Fallout: New Vegaswhose technical defects have left traces despite a solid background.
Colossal expectations on a $2.7 billion project
With an estimated budget of $2.7 billion, GTA 6 is considered one of the most ambitious projects in entertainment history. Each decision surrounding its launch is therefore closely scrutinized.
An analyst quoted in the American media also believes that Rockstar “banks on anticipation” like a rare currency, which explains this careful management of timing. For Take-Two, the studio’s parent company, a good launch is vital, especially after criticism leveled at other rushed releases in the industry.
Elder Scrolls 6, Cyberpunk, Fallout… the lessons of major delays
Pagliarulo speaks with knowledge of the facts. At Bethesda, the highly anticipated The Elder Scrolls VI still has no release window, although it was announced several years ago. And this silence owes nothing to chance.
“We’re going to take our time, as long as it takes to make it great. », he declares, referring to TES6. A philosophy that Rockstar seems to fully share for GTA 6.
While fans’ frustration is palpable, this unexpected alliance between Bethesda and Rockstar reminds us of a simple truth: a good game is earned, even if you have to wait a little longer.