Grand Theft Auto VI Named Most Anticipated Game of 2026 by Japanese Developers
Grand Theft Auto VI, commonly known as GTA VI, continues to dominate global attention within the gaming industry. Anticipation has reached a new peak following recent insights from Japan, where the title has been named the most anticipated game of 2026 by a large number of Japanese developers.
According to a special future-focused interview series conducted by Japanese gaming media Famitsu, numerous developers shared their perspectives on industry trends heading into 2026. Among all the titles mentioned, Rockstar Games’ upcoming open-world blockbuster stood out as the most frequently cited and eagerly awaited release.
Expected to Redefine Modern Console Standards
Famitsu’s survey gathered responses from 171 game developers, revealing that GTA VI was mentioned more often than any other title, even surpassing major Japanese projects such as Pragmata and Resident Evil Requiem. Many respondents believe that Rockstar’s next entry could significantly raise the bar for what console games can achieve in the next generation.
Several developers described GTA VI as a potential “standard-setting” title, one that could influence game design, world-building, and production values across the entire industry.
Industry Veterans Share Their Expectations
Among those who shared their thoughts was Kazuyuki Yamai, director and producer at Atlus, known for his work on the Shin Megami Tensei series. Yamai expressed strong interest in GTA VI and stated that he is eager to see how far the game will push overall industry quality.
Yuki Nishio, Localization Manager at CD Projekt RED, and Nobuyuki Kuroki, former Art Director at SNK, also highlighted their excitement regarding the game’s potential innovations. Both believe GTA VI could represent a major turning point for console gaming after several years of incremental evolution.
Inspiration for Japanese Game Creators
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, admitted that previous GTA titles have influenced his approach to world design. He shared his excitement about witnessing Rockstar Games’ craftsmanship once again in the upcoming release.
Similarly, Akitoshi Kawazu of the SaGa series and Akihiro Hino, CEO of Level-5, view GTA VI as a true reflection of next-generation gaming. In their view, the game represents the full utilization of modern hardware power in terms of scale, content depth, and technical ambition.
A Defining Release for 2026
Despite facing multiple development delays, GTA VI’s momentum has not slowed. Expectations from developers, particularly those in Japan, continue to grow stronger as the release approaches. Given Rockstar Games’ long history of industry-shaking releases, GTA VI’s launch is seen as more than just another major game debut.
Currently scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, GTA VI could become a defining moment that shapes the future direction of console gaming.
Return to Vice City
GTA VI is an open-world action game set in the iconic Vice City, featuring what Rockstar Games has described as the largest map in the series’ history. The studio has also confirmed that many surprises are still being kept under wraps, promising more reveals in the future.
As anticipation continues to build across the global industry, GTA VI stands as a rare title that excites not only players but developers themselves.
Source: GamingBolt
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SOURCE: gamingbolt
