GTA 6 had Legendary Game Director Worried For Death Stranding 2 Launch

Fans were not so happy to see that GTA VI was being push toÂ May 26 2026. Developers and gaming publishers on the other hand were elated and able to feel relief at the news.

Even legendary game director Hideo Kojima, of Metal Gear Solid and Kojima Productions was trying to avoid Grand Theft Auto VI. He confirmed this on Hideo Kojima Radio. Kojima stated that Rockstar's GTA VI made him change Death Stranding 2's initial release date, which now releasesÂ June 26 2025.

GTA VI releasing May 26 2026 (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

With GTA VI finally having a release date of next year, I suspect we will see a lot more games dropping in the back half of 2025. Kojima was quoted saying "companies try to avoid big hitters such as a Grand Theft Auto VI"; and "Some are saying GTA may or may not release in November. As soon as it would be announced for November, everyone would move out of the way". Also, in the translated post from @Genki_JPN, we now know Kojima initially wanted a September release for Death Stranding 2. Worrying about the initial late-2025 GTA VI launch window caused the date to change:

Hideo Kojima says when publishers decide the release date for games like Death Stranding 2 they try avoid big sellers like Grand Theft Auto VI! via @koji10_tbs

"For example some are saying GTA may or may not release in November. As soon as it would be announced for November,… pic.twitter.com/RxQfcXaXRV
— Genki? (@Genki_JPN) May 7, 2025

I am sure other publishers and companies were also worried and wanted to avoid GTA VI. With them no longer having the "will it / won’t it” release in 2025 looming over their heads, I look forward to seeing what games will now fill the rest of the year. I’m hoping to see more, especially with Summer Games Fest and Xbox’s Showcase right around the corner. Make sure you stay glued to Â Gamer Social ClubÂ for all your GTA VI, Death Stranding 2 and more gaming news.