Determining the exact cost of creating GTA 6 is challenging, but estimates suggest it could reach an astounding billion dollars. Such figures are set to make it the most expensive game ever developed, a title it is expected to hold even after the launch of GTA 7, according to former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij.
Vermeij, who served as technical director at Rockstar and contributed to iconic titles like GTA: San Andreas, GTA: Vice City, and GTA 4, shared insights on the Kiwi Talkz podcast. He voiced his thoughts on the production scale of GTA 6 and what we might expect for its successor.
How AI Will Shape Future Game Development
Vermeij anticipates that “GTA 7 will be cheaper to make than GTA 6”, noting a significant portion of development responsibilities will likely shift to AI. He stated, “A lot of that stuff is going to be taken over by AI whether we want it or not.” He believes that tasks like creating vast maps and cutscenes might be automated within the next five years.
The Future of Game Creation
In a broader context, Vermeij predicts that “the bulk of the work is probably going to be replaced by AI,” including character creation and dialogue scripting. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the ongoing need for human creativity, emphasizing, “higher-level creative stuff will still be done by artists.” He argues that AI will never fully replicate the artistic and storytelling capabilities of human creators.

Recent Trends in the Gaming Industry
This conversation comes at a pivotal moment in the gaming industry, particularly in light of recent layoffs at Xbox attributed to a gradual transition toward AI automation. Even so, Rockstar has not released any official statements regarding AI’s influence on the development of GTA 6 or future releases.
Does AI Compromise Creativity?
In a February interview with CNBC, Take-Two’s Strauss Zelnick emphasized the importance of human talent in creative processes, saying, “We believe in protecting and paying human beings, and we believe we ought to pay for their work if it’s replicated by AI after their work is done.” His assertion that “creative genius is human” may indicate the company’s careful approach toward AI integration in game production.
What Can We Expect on GTA 6’s Release and Costs?
With GTA 6 facing delays and an extended development timeline, it will be fascinating to see how the ultimate production costs shape up. What are your thoughts on the game’s budget? Leave your guesses in the comments and engage in the discussion.
What is the expected release date for GTA 6? Although the exact date remains uncertain, many speculate it could launch in late 2025 based on current development timelines.
Will AI impact the character design in future games? Yes, AI is expected to take on a more significant role in character creation, potentially streamlining some aspects of design while still requiring human oversight for creative elements.
How much will GTA 6 cost to develop? While estimates put the production cost in the billion-dollar range, the final figure could vary significantly as development progresses.
Will future games be able to rely solely on AI for development? While AI will enhance and automate certain tasks in game development, human artists and writers will remain crucial for the creative direction and storytelling aspects.
As the gaming landscape evolves with AI technology, be sure to stay informed. For more insights, tips, and discussions, check out Moyens I/O.