Palworld Dev Says AAA Studios Might Avoid Releasing Games Next Year Because GTA VI Will Dominate Awards
Rockstar’s upcoming giant could scare AAA publishers away from 2027 award season
After the recent announcement that Grand Theft Auto VI has once again shifted its release schedule, conversations across the gaming industry erupted. While fans reacted with excitement and impatience, developers and publishers began discussing a much bigger concern: the impact GTA VI will have on the entire industry when it finally launches.
According to John Buckley, Distribution and Communications Manager at Pocketpair, the studio behind Palworld, many AAA studios might decide to avoid releasing their biggest projects during the same period as GTA VI. Buckley shared his thoughts on social platform X after Rockstar’s new release date placed GTA VI on November 19, 2026.
He pointed out that this date falls outside the usual submission window for major game award events, including The Game Awards. This means GTA VI will not be eligible for award nominations in 2026, pushing it into the 2027 awards cycle. Buckley humorously added that 2027 could become a year where studios try to avoid going head-to-head with Rockstar in award competitions.
His comment highlights a recurring reality in gaming. While not every publisher prioritizes awards over sales, GTA titles have historically dominated both. The series consistently breaks records in revenue, player engagement, and critical acclaim. With GTA VI already predicted to become the most impactful release of the decade, many studios may rethink their launch strategies to avoid being overshadowed.
Some developers, however, believe that quality titles can still succeed even when released close to massive competitors. The example of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which launched shortly before a major award event yet still performed strongly, proves that timing alone does not dictate success.
Still, it is hard to ignore the weight of Rockstar’s legacy. If GTA VI becomes the center of attention across every media outlet, stage, and award event in 2027, any AAA title released alongside it risks being overlooked simply because the gaming world will be talking about one name only.
Meanwhile, Palworld continues to expand its own identity as a sandbox adventure where players live in a vibrant open world full of mysterious creatures called Pals. Players can explore, capture Pals, battle enemies, manage farms and livestock, assign Pals to automate factory work, or even turn them into resources. It is a game built on pure freedom and experimentation, and Pocketpair’s unexpected success makes their insights into the industry even more interesting.
THIS IS OUR SAY:
This prediction from the Palworld team speaks to a larger truth. GTA VI is not just a game release, it is an industry event that will reshape schedules, awards, marketing plans, and cultural impact. If major studios choose to avoid 2027, it will prove just how powerful the GTA franchise remains. The world will not just play GTA VI, it will stop to witness it.
