Although Rockstar is focusing on the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 this year, hype about the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is already on an upswing. New GTA 6 rumors are now beginning to slide their way onto the web, and we might be looking at the game's setting and release date if they prove accurate.

GTA 6 Possible Release Date

Last year, when rumors about a new AAA title from the company began surfacing, many fans had hoped Rockstar would announce GTA 6. Turns out this was actually the aforementioned Red Dead Redemption 2, which is scheduled for a late 2017 release. But since then, these folks haven't stopped discussing the possible release of GTA 6.

Considering that Rockstar is busy with Red Dead Redemption 2, fans now speculate that an announcement regarding GTA 6 could be scheduled in 2018. The long gap is frustrating, to be sure — but it makes sense. Rockstar is known for being meticulous with the development of its games, and fans wouldn't want a GTA game that feels phoned in, anyway. For the record, Rockstar has never released a GTA title in a hasty manner. GTA 6 is expected to receive the same treatment.

That said, if Rockstar indeed announces GTA 6 next year, expect it to release the game a year or two later.

So there you have it. You might finally see GTA 6 on shelves as early as 2019 or as late as 2020. Keep in mind, however, that GTA 6 is expected to be the most massive entry the entire franchise has seen, meaning it's possible that Rockstar could take quite some time to develop and polish the title.

GTA 6: Possible Setting

Some fans have taken to social media to speculate about the potential content of GTA 6. A Facebook group, for instance, has brainstormed about ideas for the upcoming game, among them the possible setting. Many of them think the GTA series should leave the country and brave the streets of a foreign land. If Rockstar opts for this route, it'll be the first for the franchise.

GTA 6 Status

Fans believe that Rockstar has begun the pre-production phase of GTA 6. If true, that means that the developers are in the most crucial stages of development — in which ideas, stories, characters, and gameplay elements are thrown around, discussed, debated about, and fleshed out. Maybe the GTA 6 Facebook group should scream louder so the developers can hear. Granted, there'd be no assurance that they'll incorporate their suggestions, but it's worth a shot.

All told, feel free to be cautious about all these rumors, especially when overzealous hype for a franchise you care about can often lead to unrealistic expectations. If anything, Rockstar definitely knows what it's doing, and it's best to just wait it out until the developers themselves bark official words.

Thoughts on these GTA 6 rumors? Feel free to make predictions or speculations about the game down in the comments section below!