Twitch CEO Backs Studios for Steering Clear of GTA 6 Competition, Predicts GTA Online 2 Launch Next Year

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has voiced his expectation for a massive debut of GTA 6 this November, a launch that other game companies are wisely avoiding to not compete for attention. He also foresees that GTA 6 will continue to dominate online attention when its multiplayer component, possibly called GTA Online 2, arrives next year.

In a conversation with Bloomberg, Clancy mentioned he had discussions with Rockstar Games about their upcoming plans.

"We had extensive talks with Rockstar about their strategy and how they can involve our streamers," Clancy explained. "There will be a significant surge with GTA 6, but an even larger one next year when the multiplayer launches."

Rockstar has not yet announced a release date for GTA 6's multiplayer or even confirmed a GTA Online 2, though it's widely assumed to be in development. There's much speculation about its release timing, specifically how long Rockstar will wait after GTA 6's November launch. Early 2027? Mid 2027? Late 2027? Regardless, next year seems almost certain.

Will GTA Online 2 render the current GTA Online obsolete? Not necessarily. Last year, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar's parent company Take-Two, pointed to their experience with NBA 2K Online, a free-to-play online version of the popular basketball series aimed at Asia. NBA 2K Online debuted in 2012, and NBA 2K Online 2 followed in 2017. Both games were kept running side by side, allowing fans of the original to keep playing and investing without worry of being abandoned.

"I'll speak hypothetically since I can't discuss a specific project before an announcement," Zelnick told IGN. "But generally, we support our games as long as consumers are engaged. For instance, we launched NBA 2K Online in China in 2012, and then NBA 2K Online 2 in 2017. We didn't shut down Online 1. Both are still available, serving players, and we have a huge audience.

"So we've demonstrated a commitment to supporting older titles when the community wants them."

That last point is crucial. It hints—though doesn't confirm—that if GTA Online 2 happens, it won't mean GTA Online is left behind. If players keep engaging with GTA Online, Zelnick suggests Rockstar will keep supporting it. Also, remember that GTA 6 will only be on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. PC gamers will either need to get a console or continue with GTA 5 and GTA Online on PC.

As November nears, Rockstar has started sharing more about GTA 6 and its gameplay. This week, several artists hinted at their involvement in the GTA 6 soundtrack, and Stephen Root, known for voicing Bill Dauterive and Buck Strickland on King of the Hill, confirmed his role in the GTA 6 cast.

Interestingly, Rockstar hasn't officially confirmed any GTA 6 actors, leaving fans to speculate. We don't even know who voices Jason and Lucia, the game's two main characters. We might not find out until the game releases in November and the credits roll.

In the meantime, explore IGN's comprehensive GTA 6 coverage, including our interview with Rockstar's Rob Nelson about what to expect.