Concerns are mounting among gamers that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 could face a further delay, potentially pushing its release into 2027. The latest Games Inbox, published on January 9, 2026, captures a wave of reader anxiety and nostalgia, covering topics from Rockstar's next blockbuster to the lost potential of rhythm action games.
Rockstar's Tightrope Walk: Polish vs. Pressure
One reader's letter highlights the precarious situation facing Rockstar Games and publisher Take-Two. While there is hope the title will hit its November release window, the fear of a rushed, buggy launch looms large. The reader draws a parallel to Cyberpunk 2077's disastrous launch and lengthy recovery, suggesting Rockstar will be keen to avoid a similar reputational crisis. The admission that the game's 'polishing' phase may not have begun is a particular point of worry, leading to speculation that a delay to 2027 is a real possibility.
"The GTA 3 remasters show Rockstar can put out janky rubbish if they think they can get away with it," the reader notes, expressing a hope that the developer has robust contingency plans. The consensus is clear: GTA 6 must not only meet sky-high expectations but also actually release, striking a difficult balance between quality and timeliness.
Franchise Futures and Forgotten Favourites
The inbox also turns its attention to other major titles. Hopes are cautiously high for Playground Games' Fable reboot, though readers acknowledge the stark difference between the studio's work on Forza Horizon and the demands of a fantasy RPG. The stakes are perceived as critically high, with the potential failure of the game seen as a death knell for the entire franchise and its development team.
In a nostalgic vein, one reader laments the corporate mishandling that led to the demise of Guitar Hero and the rhythm action genre. "Activision could've kept that franchise running forever," they argue, suggesting that over-saturation and a lack of innovation killed a cultural phenomenon prematurely.
Another passionate contributor champions Final Fantasy 8 as their personal favourite entry in the legendary series, expressing confusion over why it seems overlooked for a remaster compared to its sibling, Final Fantasy 9. This sparks a minor debate about the game's legacy and the technical challenges a remaster would face.
Community Curiosities and Seasonal Content
Other topics bubbling in the Friday letters page include a desire for more substantial, seasonal DLC for beloved single-player games like The Witcher 3 and Skyrim, proposed as a preferable alternative to live-service models. Readers also speculate on the tone of a potential Wolfenstein 3 from MachineGames in the current political climate, and puzzle over Nintendo's inconsistent approach to major franchise anniversaries for The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon.
The inbox closes with lighter anecdotes, including the relatable experience of receiving niche gaming gifts from well-meaning non-gamer relatives, and brief thoughts on the Life Is Strange series and the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection.
As always, readers are invited to join the conversation by emailing gamecentral@metro.co.uk.
