GTA 5 delay ‘conspiracy theories’ dismissed by Rockstar

With the GTA 5 release date last week confirmed as September 17, developer Rockstar has dismissed a selection of ‘conspiracy theories’ over why the game has been delayed.

Previously announced as heading for a ‘spring 2013’ launch, the newly confirmed GTA 5 release date has sparked much annoyance with eager gamers, causing Rockstar to issue a statement rubbishing a selection of GTA 5 delay ‘conspiracy theories’, stating the delays are essential to meet consumer expectations.

Whilst Rockstar has failed to confirm the nature of the unspecified ‘conspiracy theories’ which it has referenced, it is believed the company could be referring to recent analyst reports that the GTA 5 release date delay could result in the eagerly awaited title touching down for next-gen consoles, such as the PS4 and Xbox 720. It has been said that the new autumn arrival could see next-gen consoles catered for as well as the existing PS3 and Xbox 360 offerings.

“To those of you saying or seeing various conspiracy theories about there being some other ulterior motive for this delay, rest assured that they’re all nonsense,” a spokesperson for the high-profile developer said, speaking via the official Rockstar blog. “Literally the only reason we’ve delayed the release is because we want the game to be as good as it needs to be.”

Although a GTA 5 release date has, as yet, only been confirmed for the PS3 and Xbox 360, Rockstar recently revealed that all other platforms, including PC, Nintendo Wii U and iOS were “up for consideration.” Adding further speculation as to what platforms the title will it, an industry analyst last week suggested the delayed GTA 5 release date could see the title hit the expected PS4 later this year.

“In and of itself, the delay of the game from FQ1 to FQ2 would not normally mean any significant change to expected FY14 financial results,” Cowen & Company analyst Doug Creutz said. He added: “However there is an issue in that we expect the next generation of Xbox and/or PlayStation consoles to launch in the December quarter.

“We think the closer proximity of GTA V to the next cycle could, at the margin, impact lifetime sales of the title, though we believe that a title of GTA’s stature will still be a major seller regardless.”

Further pushing his point, Creutz stated: “We think there also could be some impact on the legs of likely GTA V downloadable content as the next-gen installed base increases through 2014. However, we suspect Take-Two may have plans to eventually publish GTA V on the next set of consoles in some form to offset this.”

Looking to distance itself from what it has dubbed GTA 5 delay ‘conspiracy theories’, Rockstar has teased new GTA 5 details, suggesting the game’s cover art will be formally unveiled shortly.

Making the announcement via the same blog post, the Rockstar spokesperson added: “For those of you asking about the official box art, that will be coming out a bit later as well.”

Have you been left disappointed by the GTA 5 release date delays or are you happy simply to have a confirmed date of arrival for the game? Let us know via the TrustedReviews Twitter and Facebook feeds or through the comment boxes below.