GTA 6 development just took a controversial step forward

Despite not being released for at least another year, GTA VI is shaping up to be the biggest video game release of all time and Rockstar Games will require all hands on deck.

However, for Rockstar Games to ensure that Grand Theft Auto VI arrives on schedule and for its release to be as smooth as possible, it has reportedly taken a controversial step that may not please many of its employees. That controversial step looks like it might be headed towards the dreaded crunch as GTA VI continues its development.

Check out the GTA VI trailer below!

In case you didn't know, the word “crunch” is used as a description for increased work hours under time-pressured situations. For example, it might not be uncommon for any employee in a respective line of work to put in seven-day weekly shifts and 70+ hours.

Many of us have been there before, working far more hours and days than intended, and while it may serve its purpose for that time, physically as well as mentally, it’s not a healthy practice for the long term. This is why there’s been such an emphasis on getting rid of crunch culture, especially when it comes to the video game industry.

Back in February this year, it was reported by Bloomberg that the development of GTA VI was in its final stage, but there was a catch. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the benefits of that whole fiasco was employees being able to work from home and in the workplace.

It was certainly a welcomed work/life balance that removed the stress of the daily commute and the financial implications that it brings. Now, as discussed on Reddit, it’s been reported that this week brought the first day of Rockstar Games’ employee requirement to return to full-time office work.

Without making too many assumptions, perhaps all the Rockstar Games employees who are required to work at least five days a week in the office will work normal weekly hours. Sadly however, if history has taught us anything, it’s that employee wealthare is not always a top priority when it comes to making all the money in the world.

I hope that my assumptions are wrong and employees are not required to work ungodly hours because as much as I am hyped for the release of GTA VI, I don’t want it to be at the expense of human health. That being said, all unconfirmed reports should be taken with a pinch of salt until proven otherwise.

GTA VI is scheduled to be released in 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. At the time of writing, a PC release hasn't been announced, yet.