It’s no coincidence that Rockstar Games and Take-Two’s game may remain the most expensive in the series for years to come.

Grand Theft Auto VI is likely to remain the franchise’s most expensive installment even after the sequel launches, as a former Rockstar Games employee expects the development of GTA VII to cost less. Obbe Vermeij, former technical director at Rockstar Games who contributed to several iconic titles in the series (notably Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas), discussed this on the Kiwi Talks podcast.

Vermeij talked about the future of the franchise following the release of the sixth installment next year, stating that it’s unlikely there will ever be a GTA game more expensive than Grand Theft Auto VI because much of the development work will be taken over by artificial intelligence. He predicts that technology will handle the creation of maps and scenes, reducing the need for human labor in these areas, so the budget for Grand Theft Auto 7 will be lower than its predecessor’s. This paints a bleak picture for those working in the games industry. Whether Vermeij’s prediction comes true remains to be seen, as Grand Theft Auto 7 is still likely many years away. Let’s not forget, Grand Theft Auto V was released in autumn 2013, so there will be more than a dozen years between new episodes.

It’s certainly a bit early to talk about Grand Theft Auto 7, considering Grand Theft Auto VI still hasn’t been released. The highly anticipated new chapter was initially set for release this fall, but Rockstar Games confirmed back in May that the game needed more time and will now launch in May 2026. Despite the delay, excitement remains high, and some features are expected to transform not just open-world gaming but entertainment as a whole—for instance, rumors suggest that artists may be able to upload their music directly into the game.

So, who knows if Rockstar is moving in the right direction if they actually go down this path.

Source: WCCFTech