By Ney Castro

May 2026.
That’s the new launch window for Grand Theft Auto VI, and in typical Rockstar fashion, the world is already adjusting its calendar. Let’s be real: a delay like this doesn’t happen unless something major is at stake. GTA is more than just a game – it’s a cultural earthquake. But this delay? It’s more than a blip in the timeline. It’s a moment the rest of the gaming world should be paying attention to, especially if you’re trying to build the next big thing. 

So what does this mean for players, developers, and platforms like ours?  

1. For Players: Delays Like This Are Exactly Why PHȲND Exists

Here’s the truth no one likes to say out loud: gaming droughts suck. 

When games like GTA VI get pushed back, it reminds everyone how fragile the pipeline is – how long we wait, how few truly massive games exist each year, and how much players crave variety during the gaps. And not every game can (or should) be a billion-dollar juggernaut. 

That’s where PHȲND comes in. PHȲND allows gamers to discover and play quality video games for free on smart TVs and other connected devices. The service is launching later this year.​

We’re not here to replace GTA VI – we’re here to make sure your downtime isn’t downtime. On our platform, discovery is the game. You don’t need a console. No subscriptions. No $70 price tags. Just jump into smart TV gaming and explore new titles from developers around the world – some chill, some chaotic, some nostalgic, some brand new. While the big dogs reset their clocks, we’re giving players more to explore today. 

This delay proves it again: players need access to more games, faster, and in more places. We’re solving that. 

2. For Developers and Publishers: If Rockstar Needs More Time, What About You? 

Let’s get brutally honest for a second. Rockstar has unlimited resources, top-tier talent, and some of the most iconic IP in history. And even they aren’t confident enough to ship in 2025. 

So if you’re an indie or mid-tier studio racing toward launch with limited playtesting, a few dozen hours of median gameplay data, and a Discord server of 150 fans – you need to ask yourself: are you ready? 

But this isn’t just about pre-launch. There are plenty of great games already live that are fighting for attention, struggling with visibility, and looking for new ways to reach players. Platforms like PHȲND are built to give those games a fresh lane – expanding their audience, boosting playtime, and providing real-world KPIs on how players engage across new devices like smart TVs. 

We’re not just a discovery engine for new games. We’re a growth engine for existing games. 

PHȲND helps developers and publishers see how their games are found, played, and retained in a different environment – one that’s growing faster than anyone expected. Whether you’re preparing for launch or looking to extend the life of an existing title, visibility and actionable data are key. 

Also, props to Rockstar for dropping their release window a year in advance. That’s a rare gift to the rest of the industry. Indies and AA teams should take note: do not launch near this date unless you’re looking for silence from the press and blackout from influencers. 

There will be a “before GTA VI” and an “after GTA VI.” You don’t want to be caught on the wrong side. 

 In the meantime, PHȲND offers a platform for the rest of the industry – the ones who can’t afford to wait a decade between hits. 

Smart TV gaming isn’t a detour. It’s the path forward. 

→ Join the PHȲND waitlist here for updates on our progress and early access. 
→ Interested in partnering? Reach out here.