Development work on Grand Theft Auto VI commenced in 2018, with anticipation building for a release in 2026. This timeline suggests an impressive eight-year development process, although some sources indicate that initial efforts may have started even earlier. For our analysis, we will concentrate on the 2018 date.
An eight-year development timeline is not out of the ordinary when we consider the broader landscape of video game creation. Grand Theft Auto V, which debuted over a decade ago, continues to set a high bar for success within its genre. Rockstar Games did well with Red Dead Redemption 2, but the unique allure of Grand Theft Auto has kept fans eagerly waiting for its next installment.
This reflection on development timelines reminded us that Grand Theft Auto VI is not alone in its extended creation phase. The gaming industry is replete with examples of titles that have experienced lengthy development cycles, and one particularly notorious case will be highlighted shortly.
Many titles have taken longer than GTA VI to complete. Let’s delve into a few noteworthy examples.
10 Dragon Age: The Veilguard
A Very Different BioWare
|
Development Started |
Released On |
|
2015 |
2024 |
Following the acclaim of Dragon Age: Inquisition in 2014, development for its sequel kicked off in 2015. However, the journey has been riddled with challenges. After the lackluster performance of Anthem, initial plans for a live-service model were abandoned, leading to a complete reboot of the project.
The game, once expected in 2022, encountered significant hurdles, including a high turnover rate of key staff at BioWare. The departure of Mark Darrah, who had been at BioWare since 1996 and contributed to all previous Dragon Age games, in 2020 was particularly influential.
In addition, several seasoned developers exited due to various layoffs, further complicating an already tumultuous development process.
9 Diablo III
A Long-Awaited Return
|
Development Began |
Released On |
|
2001 |
2012 |
Although Blizzard announced Diablo III in 2008, the development commenced back in 2001. This time frame saw dramatic changes within Blizzard itself, as it evolved from a company focused on strategy games and action RPGs to one dominated by the success of World of Warcraft. The acquisition by Activision in 2008 further influenced the project.
Ultimately, Diablo III’s development took longer than expected to meet the standard Blizzard set for its titles, ironic given its rocky launch and initial critical reception. Fortunately, the game has evolved into an engaging experience, especially as an alternative to Diablo IV.
8 Starfield
Reach for the Stars
|
Development Started |
Released On |
|
2013 (or earlier) |
2024 |
Debate will likely continue regarding whether Starfield justified its long development cycle. Though the game was revealed in 2018, many argue that foundational work took place as early as 2013. Bethesda Game Studios has noted that the technology for their ambitious space RPG wasn’t feasible until the current generation of gaming consoles.
Known for its lengthy development timelines, Bethesda had released successful titles like Oblivion, Fallout 3, Skyrim, and Fallout 4 in a relatively short span. However, Starfield marked an eight-year gap between it and Fallout 4, raising hopes that future projects will not take quite as long.
7 Metroid Dread
100% Worth the Wait
|
Development Started |
Released On |
|
2005ish |
2021 |
While Metroid Dread was ultimately released for the Nintendo Switch in 2021, its origins trace back to a time when it was intended for the Nintendo DS, with development kicking off around 2005. Initial excitement around the game was dampened by rumors of cancellation, particularly as no significant updates were shared during the years following early speculation.
Though Nintendo fans enjoyed a series of Metroid Prime titles in between, they were often looking for a return to the beloved 2D style. Metroid Dread, which represents that return, met with multiple delays and shifts before finally being handed over to MercurySteam after the success of Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS. The outcome proved that some waits truly are rewarding.
6 Mother 3
Please Release This Locally, Nintendo
|
Development Began |
Released On |
|
1994 |
2006 |
As it stands, fans in North America are still anxiously waiting for an official release of Mother 3 beyond Japan. For those in Japan, the development cycle stretched over 12 years, beginning in 1994.
Initially intended for the Super Nintendo, its evolution to the Nintendo 64 didn’t materialize due to the console’s memory constraints. After a momentary cancellation in 2000, development recommenced for the Game Boy Advance, transitioning from a 3D format to 2D due to the GBA’s capabilities. Despite its outdated gameplay mechanics, it has achieved cult classic status, lauded for its narrative depth and unique charm.
5 Prey (2017)
The Ultimate Road Trip
|
Development Began |
Released On |
|
2006 |
2017 |
The 2017 release of Prey is perhaps one of the most notorious examples of a game caught in development limbo. Initially intended as a sequel to the 2006 title of the same name, it encountered a development hell that shifted control over its rights from 3D Realms to Bethesda Softworks.
Leaked information hinted at a reboot spearheaded by Arkane Studios, renowned for the Dishonored series. Ironically, the studio firmly denied these claims for quite some time, insisting that they were not working on a Prey sequel. This infamous denial, in retrospect, drew significant attention.
4 The Last Guardian
It Actually Came Out!
|
Development Began |
Released On |
|
2007 |
2016 |
The Last Guardian was revealed in 2009, generating immense excitement given the success of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. Development, which commenced in 2007, faced unexpected delays and challenges, including team restructuring and a migration to different hardware.
Originally slated for a PlayStation 3 release, the project saw a shift to PlayStation 4, with a public reintroduction at E3 2015. Finally released in December 2016, it achieved cult classic status, demonstrating that some prolonged developments can indeed pay off, especially when technological advancements allow for a more polished and engaging experience.
3 Final Fantasy XV
The Ultimate Road Trip
|
Development Began |
Released On |
|
2006 |
2016 |
What began as Final Fantasy Versus XIII back in 2006 turned into a decade-long journey for the ultimate road trip adventure in Final Fantasy XV. Initially part of a larger interconnected series, the project underwent a major shift and was rebranded as its own mainline entry, introducing a new team and direction behind the scenes.
Significant leadership changes, including the transition to a new game director, and a massive reworking of the game’s scope contributed to the lengthy timeline. However, the game’s presence at E3 2013 reignited enthusiasm, and after a notably long wait, it was finally made available in 2016, marking a pivotal return to the franchise’s roots.
2 Duke Nukem Forever
Did Not Finish
|
Development Began |
Released On |
|
1997 |
2011 |
One of the most infamous tales in gaming history, Duke Nukem Forever, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest video game development cycle ever. Following numerous delays and extensive redesigns, it finally released in 2011.
Initially developed by 3D Realms, the project faced numerous setbacks leading to a shift in responsibility to Gearbox Software and other studios. Ultimately, it arrived bearing decades of anticipation that left audiences questioning if it could ever measure up to the legacy of Duke Nukem 3D. In retrospect, many assert that perhaps it would have been better left unreleased.
1 DOOM (2016)
Well Worth the Wait
|
Development Began |
Released On |
|
2007 |
2016 |
The 2016 reboot of DOOM encountered various complications throughout its lengthy development process. Initially sharing resources with Rage, development not only extended unnecessarily but also included a pivot that redefined the game’s vision.
Originally conceptualized as DOOM 4, it went through several re-imaginings before establishing an identity that brought back the classic fast-paced action the franchise is known for. Following a rocky inception, the efforts of id Software led to a refreshing approach that not only revitalized the series but also exceeded expectations upon its release.
Building on the success of its predecessor, DOOM Eternal followed in 2020, with a narrative prequel, DOOM: The Dark Ages, released earlier this year, further solidifying DOOM’s resurgence in popular culture.
Leave a Reply