The Grand Theft Auto 5 Feature That Nearly Derailed the Entire Game

The team had to create thousands of new animations. Every weapon reload, every action, and every interaction needed a first-person version. Vehicle interiors that looked fine from the outside suddenly needed high-resolution details. Models that were never meant to be scrutinized up close now filled the screen. The entire production pipeline had to accommodate a perspective the game wasn't originally built for.

Despite that chaotic late addition, GTA V is now one of the most successful video games ever made, selling over 200 million copies and remaining culturally relevant more than a decade after its 2013 release. The first-person mode, introduced with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions in 2014, became a defining feature that added depth and replayability.

Now, as GTA 6 faces yet another delay, pushed from its expected May 2026 release to November 2026, York thinks Rockstar is likely dealing with similar challenges, but on a much larger scale. There is a lot riding on the upcoming title, being one of the most anticipated entertainment products of all time - combine that with Rockstar's reputation and sky high expectations, and you bet the pressure is on.

"There's so many things going on in an open-world game. This is not like playing a linear experience like The Last of Us or whatever. There's much less bugs in a game like that."

He suspects the studio may have implemented new systems late in development, possibly improved climbing mechanics, better combat systems, or advanced facial animation technology similar to Unreal Engine's MetaHuman - or maybe it is just the first person camera all over again for all we know!

"If they don't have that stuff nailed down yet, then they're going to delay the game because they know people really, really want that stuff."

Everyone knows the pressure on Rockstar is immense. The graphics need to be better than anything else on the market, and the mechanics need to justify a decade of development and multiple delays. York compared Rockstar to Pixar - when they release something, audiences expect perfection.

"Usually, the company has bit off more than they can chew. And they don't want to say that, but they bit off more than they can chew."

He believes Rockstar is looking at GTA 6 and realizing it's not ready for the "big leagues" yet. Despite all the development time already elapsed, maybe they're not yet ready to meet the astronomical expectations of 50 million potential players. However, York believes November 2026 is a smart choice.

"It's right before Christmas. It's right where the hype is of everyone having enough time to buy the game in order for you to ship out enough copies to all these stores to get everything. It's the perfect sweet spot to release a game."

His advice to fans is simple:

"We've already waited this long. Let's wait a little bit longer."

He doesn't expect another delay after this, and he's betting on Rockstar to deliver, as we all are. After all, Rockstar hasn't really disappointed yet, and as such, they deserve the benefit of the doubt.