Why Twitch CEO thinks GTA V is going nowhere even after GTA VI launch

GTA VI

GTA fans have been waiting for Grand Theft Auto VI, and Rockstar Games has already dropped two trailers along with character details, along with the official launch date for the game. However,  Dan Clancy, Twitch CEO, believes that GTA V will continue to thrive on the platform for years to come. Speaking at The Game Business Live event, Clancy pointed to the unmatched popularity of GTA V’s roleplaying (RP) community as a major reason for its staying power—even after its successor arrives.

The power of roleplay over graphics or tech

Clancy explained that GTA V’s strength lies not just in its gameplay or visuals, but in the creative ecosystem built by its players. He called the RP community a kind of “improv theatre,” where streamers don’t just play but perform characters within open-ended narratives. In 2024 alone, GTA V clocked 1.4 billion hours watched on Twitch—largely due to RP content.

Unlike competitive games such as Call of Duty or League of Legends, GTA RP doesn’t require the viewer to understand game mechanics. The focus is on character interaction, spontaneous storytelling, and dramatic moments that play out in real time—making it accessible and engaging even for casual viewers.

Another reason GTA V will stay relevant is timing and technical limitations. With GTA VI expected to launch in May 2026 only for consoles, and no confirmation yet on PC availability or modding support, the RP community may not migrate right away. Clancy predicts it could take 6 to 18 months after the PC release before RP mods become feasible.

Until then, streamers are likely to stick with the version that already supports their creative needs. The modding tools, servers, and audiences are already in place for GTA V, making it the default choice for RP.