Rockstar Games will require its staff to work in the office five days a week starting April 2024 to push forward the development of the next mainline entry in the Grand Theft Auto series. Bloomberg reported the policy shift, which aims to keep teams aligned as the studio advances toward a 2025 release window for GTA VI.
Company leaders cited efficiency and security as the primary reasons for the change. The decision follows a string of public and behind the scenes challenges, including high-profile data breaches that exposed early GTA VI footage and even a trailer for the game before the official launch window last year. These incidents underscored the importance of controlled environments and tight collaboration for a project with a global fan base and complex production workflows.
In an email sent on behalf of Jenn Kolbe, Rockstar Games’ head of publishing, management stated that the shift to mandatory in-office work is intended to ensure the team can deliver the next Grand Theft Auto at the level of quality and readiness expected by players and retailers alike. The note emphasized that closer, in-person collaboration helps streamline decision making, feedback cycles, and security practices during critical development phases.
GTA VI is anticipated to arrive in 2025, continuing a franchise whose predecessor, GTA V, debuted in 2013. Over its eleven-year lifespan, the crime saga has accumulated sales well above 195 million copies worldwide and generated roughly $7.7 billion in revenue for its creators, establishing it as one of the most successful video game franchises in history. The studio has repeatedly highlighted the long-term impact of its blockbuster titles on both the industry and the broader gaming ecosystem, including ongoing updates, communities, and competitive play nearby in the entertainment landscape.
Earlier in its history, Rockstar faced a sizable information security incident that drew attention to the safeguards surrounding its creative process. The company continues to reinforce its internal protocols and development practices to protect sensitive materials while supporting a demanding production schedule that sustains high standards across design, programming, art, and audio disciplines.