In the high-stakes world of open-world gaming, one title looms larger than all others: Grand Theft Auto VI. Following its recent delay to a Fall 2026 release window, the industry is abuzz with speculation about its final form and the ripple effects it will have. According to a veteran developer who once dared to challenge the king, competing with Rockstar Games' behemoth is now a fool's errand.
Chris Stockman, the design director for the original 2006 Saints Row, recently shared his candid thoughts on the impending release of GTA VI. His perspective is uniquely informed; he helped launch Saints Row as a viable alternative to Grand Theft Auto at a time when Rockstar was deep in development on GTA IV.
A Lesson from the Front Lines: Why Saints Row Succeeded—and Later Stumbled
Stockman’s history with the genre gives his words significant weight. He recounted how his team at Volition managed to carve out a successful niche for Saints Row by offering a distinct, over-the-top take on the urban crime simulator. For years, it held the respected position of the genre's number-two contender.
"We became known as that other game," Stockman reflected, highlighting how they differentiated themselves with chaotic gameplay and a narrative that didn't take itself too seriously. This strategy worked—until it didn't. He alluded to the franchise's eventual divergence from that successful formula, culminating in a poorly received 2022 reboot that struggled to find its audience. This experience taught him a brutal lesson about identity and competition in the shadow of a giant.
"You Can't Say, 'I'm Going After GTA.' Not Anymore. It's Impossible."
During his appearance on the FRVR podcast, Stockman was blunt about the current landscape for any developer dreaming of dethroning Rockstar. He argued that while a game must have its own unique identity, directly targeting Grand Theft Auto is a lost cause.
"You can’t say, ‘I’m going after GTA.’ You can’t. Not anymore. It’s impossible," Stockman stated emphatically. He pointed to a key factor that has fundamentally changed the game: GTA Online.
According to Stockman, the ongoing, live-service phenomenon of GTA Online has transformed the Grand Theft Auto franchise from a mere video game series into what he describes as "a lifestyle." It's no longer a product you consume and finish; it's a persistent social space that players inhabit for years. This creates a level of player investment and brand loyalty that is virtually unassailable.
The Only Path for Competitors: A Catastrophic Rockstar Misstep
So, is there any scenario where another studio could potentially top GTA VI? Stockman believes there is only one: if Rockstar Games makes a historic, unprecedented mistake.
He laid out a hypothetical doomsday scenario for GTA VI's launch, comparing its potential failure to the industry-shaking disaster of the E.T. game for the Atari 2600 in 1982—but on a much larger and more devastating scale.
"It’s going to be the biggest game, probably of all time, and I’ll just say this. The only way for someone to really give them a run for their money is if they have a huge misstep," Stockman explained. "If it comes out and it’s terrible, God forbid the industry, oh my gosh, right? It’s E.T. all over again, but worse because of the budget. It would be a complete disaster."
He was quick to add that he does not expect this to happen, but the analogy underscores the immense pressure and astronomical expectations placed upon this single title.
The Unparalleled Hype and the Weight of Expectation
Rockstar Games has built its reputation on a cycle of perfection. With each new entry, from GTA III to GTA V, the studio has not only defined the standard for open-world games but has consistently raised it. This legacy has resulted in unparalleled hype for Grand Theft Auto VI.
The recent delay to 2026, while disappointing to fans, is seen by many as a necessary step to meet those sky-high expectations. Rockstar has committed to delivering "the next evolution" of the series and ensuring it meets "the level of polish you have come to expect." The stakes for the franchise and the industry as a whole have never been higher.
As developers and fans alike look toward 2026, Chris Stockman's analysis serves as a sobering reality check. The race isn't about who can beat GTA VI; it's about who can successfully build their own "lifestyle" alongside it. For now, the throne remains occupied, and according to those who have tried, it's more secure than ever.
For fans looking to revisit the game that started it all, the iconic Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy is available to play on modern consoles.
Find Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition on Amazon here.