GTA 6 Set to Transform Gaming Standards, Say JRPG Icons from Atlus, Square Enix, and Sega: “A Once-in-a-Generation Milestone”

Lead developers from various studios have expressed their keen interest in the highly anticipated launch of GTA 6 in 2026. After facing two delays, this next installment in the iconic open-world series is expected to drop before the year wraps up.

In a recent survey, 171 developers shared their most anticipated titles for 2026. While games like Resident Evil Requiem, Pragmata, and Pokemon Pokopia received notable mentions, Rockstar’s long-awaited sixth entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise was the standout favorite.

Kazuyuki Yamai, a veteran director and producer at Atlus known for his work on the Shin Megami Tensei series, shared his thoughts on how GTA 6 could “raise the bar.” He expressed his excitement about the game’s potential release and its ability to set new standards in gaming.

Yuki Nishio, localization manager at CD Projekt Red, echoed this enthusiasm, pondering the innovations that GTA 6 might introduce. In contrast, Nobuyuki Kuroki, a legacy art director at SNK, confidently stated, “I’m really looking forward to GTA 6. I think it will redefine players’ standards and could be a once-in-a-generation turning point for games.”

Some developers have a personal connection to the franchise. Yoo Hyung-seok, director of Goddess of Victory: Nikke, shared, “The game I’m most looking forward to in 2026 is GTA 6. I’ve been a fan since GTA 2, and each entry continues to surprise me, so I’m really looking forward to this one.”

Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, believes the game will influence his own work, stating, “In 2026, I’m looking forward to the new entry in the GTA series. As a creator, I’m inspired by the craftsmanship of the world.” Masayoshi Yokoyama, director and producer of the Yakuza series, simply stated, “GTA 6. Please release it.”

The consensus among the interviewed creatives is that GTA 6 will significantly impact the industry with its innovative concepts, and they are eager to see how it unfolds. Akitoshi Kawazu, director and designer of SaGa, remarked, “The whole world has its sights set on GTA 6. I think the content and scale will not disappoint. We will be paying attention to what players enjoy about it.”

Akihiro Hino, CEO of Level-5, expressed his belief that GTA 6 will showcase the next generation of gaming, stating, “As hardware performance improves, I hope to see game development that was unthinkable in the past.”

Not everyone is excited to play, but many will be keeping a close eye on the game’s impact. Ryuki Ishii, Sony’s localization manager, acknowledged, “Obviously GTA 6. I can’t ignore the effect it will have on the industry.” However, he also shared his personal gaming wishlist, which includes titles like Nioh 3 and Crimson Desert.

It seems that regardless of personal preferences, the gaming industry is poised to pay attention to GTA 6.

GTA 6 likely won’t cost $100, according to a former Rockstar technical director, attributing this to the success of GTA Online: “This is just something that the internet has decided.”