Table of Contents
Introduction
The gaming world is abuzz with anticipation for Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), scheduled for release in late 2025. Given Rockstar’s legacy and the monumental success of previous GTA titles, it’s easy to assume the game is a shoo-in for Game of the Year (GOTY). However, history and the unpredictable nature of gaming suggest it might not be so straightforward. This article explores whether anything can challenge GTA 6 for the coveted title of GOTY 2025.
Rockstar’s History of Excellence – And Delays
GTA 6: A Decade in the Making
GTA 6 will arrive 12 years after its predecessor, making it one of the most highly anticipated games in history. Rockstar has built its reputation on delivering vast, detailed worlds with unparalleled storytelling and gameplay, setting the bar high for open-world games.
Rockstar’s Track Record with Delays
Rockstar’s history of delays is well-documented.
- GTA 5 (2013) was delayed from spring to fall.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) faced two delays, slipping from late 2017 to fall 2018.
With GTA 6’s release date currently set for fall 2025, a slip into 2026 is far from impossible, which would remove it from GOTY contention in 2025 and open the field for competitors.
Why GTA 6 Is the Favorite
Cultural and Industry Hegemony
Few franchises hold the cultural cachet of Grand Theft Auto. From its satirical take on American life to its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, the series has consistently dominated sales charts and critical acclaim.
Rockstar’s Stellar Reputation
Rockstar’s games are known for their polish, depth, and innovation. GTA 5 remains one of the best-selling and highest-rated games of all time, and expectations for GTA 6 are similarly sky-high.
Anticipated Gameplay and Innovations
Leaks and speculation suggest that GTA 6 will feature:
- A larger, more dynamic open world
- Multiple protagonists
- Enhanced AI and interactivity
- Immersive storylines
These features could redefine the open-world genre once again.
Potential Roadblocks to GTA 6’s Dominance
The Risk of a 2026 Delay
If GTA 6 is delayed, it will miss the 2025 GOTY race entirely, leaving the field wide open for other contenders.
Historical Trends in GOTY Losses
Despite their acclaim, Rockstar’s games have often been overshadowed at awards ceremonies:
- In 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 lost to God of War despite a higher Metacritic score (97 vs. 94).
- In 2013, GTA 5 was beaten by The Last of Us in most major awards.
- In 2008, GTA 4 lost to Fallout 3 and Super Mario Galaxy at key ceremonies.
This pattern suggests that Rockstar’s sprawling, ambitious titles can sometimes lose out to more focused, emotionally resonant games.
The Competition for Game of the Year 2025
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Release Date: December 2024 (eligible for 2025 awards).
- Strengths: Nostalgia, unique mechanics, and widespread acclaim for its narrative.
- Weaknesses: Unlikely to compete with GTA 6’s scale and ambition.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Developer: Hideo Kojima
- Strengths: Cult following, innovative gameplay.
- Weaknesses: Divisive appeal; may lack mainstream traction.
Ghost of Yōtei
- Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
- Strengths: Beautiful open-world design; refined mechanics.
- Weaknesses: Comparisons to GTA 6’s open world could overshadow it.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Developer: Retro Studios
- Strengths: Iconic franchise; potential cross-gen launch.
- Weaknesses: Will the Metroid formula feel fresh enough in 2025?
Unannounced Mario Games
- Speculated Titles: New 3D Mario and Mario Kart.
- Strengths: Universal acclaim; strong fanbase.
- Weaknesses: Nintendo games rarely dominate GOTY conversations.
Civilization 7
- Developer: Firaxis Games
- Strengths: Deep, strategic gameplay.
- Weaknesses: Strategy games rarely win GOTY awards.
Fable
- Developer: Playground Games
- Strengths: Beloved franchise; potential for innovation.
- Weaknesses: A significant unknown quantity.
Dark Horses and Other Contenders
Other notable releases include:
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A fresh take on the franchise.
- Borderlands 4: Known for its humor and co-op gameplay.
- Monster Hunter Wilds: Expanding on a beloved series.
- Hades 2: If it exits early access, it could build on its predecessor’s GOTY success.
Analyzing Rockstar’s Past GOTY Losses
Red Dead Redemption 2 vs. God of War
Despite its higher Metacritic score, Red Dead Redemption 2 lost to God of War due to the latter’s emotional storytelling and focused design.
GTA 5 vs. The Last of Us
The Last of Us swept major awards in 2013, overshadowing GTA 5’s more sprawling, satirical narrative.
GTA 4 vs. Fallout 3
Fallout 3’s innovation in open-world RPG design helped it edge out GTA 4 at key awards.
Conclusion: Can GTA 6 Be Dethroned?
GTA 6’s dominance in the 2025 GOTY race seems likely, but it is far from guaranteed. Rockstar’s history of delays, combined with strong competition from games like Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yōtei, and Metroid Prime 4, means the race could be closer than expected. As always, the unexpected could emerge, reshaping the gaming landscape in ways no one can predict. For now, Rockstar’s greatest competitor remains its own deadline.