Delays, Streaming, Cross-Play, and recasts: The latest in Games
Key events from the gaming world, the delay of GTA VI and the Witcher Season 4
The happenings in the world of gaming are fast and major this week, as we try to make sense of the new six-month delay to the already much-delayed Grand Theft Auto VI, now slated for a November 2026 launch, and what this means for the gaming industry at large. This week’s column also dives into the big new update for the PlayStation Portal, which finally makes it a true game streaming device, and examines the reception to The Witcher Season 4 and its controversial recast.
It’s a heavy-hitting week for gaming fans everywhere, so buckle up, because this one’s going to be a roller-coaster read.
The GTA VI delay
One of the most anticipated games of all time, Rockstar’s upcoming entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise has an enormous amount riding on it. To give you an idea of the expectations surrounding this release: PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Media and Entertainment forecast estimates that the global gaming industry will be valued at USD 300 billion by 2029, and much of that growth will be driven by the massive success of – you guessed it: GTA VI.
With every delay, fans seem to relive the same emotions we experienced during Cyberpunk 2077’s long, bumpy journey to release in 2020. Yet some games feel simply too big to fail. Or are they? Expected by some analysts to generate over USD 7 billion in its first quarter alone, GTA VI’s launch, whenever it finally happens, is likely to break the internet. But until that fateful day, what are we to do? Players will wait, other game makers will likely reschedule their launches and promotional campaigns, and much of the 2026 gaming calendar will be reorganised to give GTA VI the space it demands in November.
However, it is not all bad news. The new release window could work in Rockstar’s favour. A few times of the year are more lucrative than the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year. If Rockstar sticks to the timeline, expect GTA VI to post record-breaking sales and become the ideal holiday gift for gamers worldwide. As for me, I am content to wait and watch. I have seen this script play out before: the delays, the anticipation, and the holiday launch.
The PS Portal Reboot
My time with the PS Portal over the past year has been quite enjoyable. Despite its limited functionality, the large screen framed by two halves of a DualSense controller has plenty to offer. Until now, it’s been difficult to recommend the device to players since it only supported “Remote Play” — but that changes with the latest update. The PS Portal can now natively stream games anywhere with a stable internet connection, and it no longer requires your PS5 to be powered on. With this update, the Portal evolves into a genuine contender against the Switch 2 and Xbox ROG Ally, all at a fraction of the price.
Unsurprisingly, inventory for the 2023 device is flying off shelves, as PS Plus subscribers suddenly find themselves with a “true” PlayStation handheld. The service is currently limited to the US, UK, and Canada, but it is expected to roll out to more regions soon.
The Witcher 4 Conundrum
Despite the gigantic, Liam Hemsworth–sized recast, few would have expected The Witcher’s new season not to feature at the top of Netflix’s top 10 list on October 30. Viewership numbers have dropped sharply compared to Season 3, and the loss of Henry Cavill appears to be the biggest reason. Netflix and the show’s creators have done their best to smooth the transition, even opening the new season with a sequence that cleverly inserts Hemsworth into some of the series’ most iconic moments to make it seem as if he had always been there. Critics agree that the writing and plot are stronger this time around, but the once-captivated audience simply is not streaming.
What lies ahead when the show returns for its final season is hard to predict. But judging by the lukewarm response to this one, it doesn’t seem most of us care.
