'Grand Theft Auto' VI release date news: Is 'GTA VI' coming this 2017?

(Official Facebook page of "Grand Theft Auto V")Promotional photo of "Grand Theft Auto V"

The announcement that the sequel to "Red Dead Redemption" will be released in late 2017 has fueled speculation that "Grand Theft Auto (GTA) VI" is also on its way.

Unfortunately, it seems that the production of "Red Dead Redemption" is the reason why "GTA VI" will not be produced and released anytime soon. Developers of Rockstar Games, the publisher of both titles, are said to want to devote their attention to the former, given that the first title of the western-themed series was released in 2010.

Rockstar Games has revealed minimal information about "GTA VI." TechRadar speculates that the game may be released by 2020, given that "Red Dead Redemption 2" supports online play. Furthermore, Rockstar Games continues to support and develop "Grand Theft Auto Online," continually adding new content to it.

However, the game publisher recently warned PlayStation (PS) 3 and Xbox 360 players that they need to transfer their data to the PS4, XBox One or PC by March 6, as it will no longer support the previous consoles.

While news is sparse about "GTA VI," rumors abound about the game, the most common being that the new title will feature a female protagonist. Rockstar's Dan Houser fueled the fire by saying that the production company is "open to the possibility of a playable female protagonist."

The setting is also something that excites fans, with some speculating that this will be the first "GTA" title that will be set outside USA. Some rumors claim that the "GTA VI" will be in London, while others say it would be in Tokyo.

Another rumor that is circulating claim that "Grand Theft Auto VI" will support virtual reality (VR) play.

None of these rumors have been confirmed nor denied by Rockstar Games. The only thing confirmed to date is that "Grand Theft Auto VI" is in the early stages of development.

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