New Grand Theft Auto V screens as Rockstar apologizes for long dev cycles

Fans of Rockstar Games properties like Grand Theft Auto and Max Payne have had to wait many years between installments, and some are bothered by this gap. As part of a new Asked & Answered feature posted to the company's website, Rockstar apologized for its lengthy development cycles, and ensured fans that the studio spends its time focusing on quality.

"We are sorry that it sometimes seems to take a long time, but the massive amount of work it takes to imagine, design, build, and populate a digital world is simply staggering, and we are constantly striving to make sure each game surpasses the last one," reads a line from the statement. "We try to work as fast as possible, but given the combinations of cutting edge technology, high resolution graphics and animation, and hundreds of thousands of sound files, all of which have to work perfectly, and be fun and enjoyable to play, it is not surprising the games take a while to make."

"Even with sequels to existing games, it is important to us that they have a lot of new elements and feel fresh and exciting," the message continues. "We feel it is our duty to make sure the games are as good as we can make them and as innovative as we can make them."

Elsewhere in the update, Rockstar spoke about Grand Theft Auto V. The company confirmed that the upcoming open-world action game will not have any kind of beta, and warned users that any solicitation purportedly offering access to a GTAV beta could be a "dodgy online phishing scam."

While Rockstar did not offer any new information regarding GTAV, the company said gamers can expect new information and assets from the game "soon." Additionally, the firm released two new images from the game, the first of which (embedded above) shows off a police helicopter high above the Los Santos setting. The second image (at right) depicts two individuals sitting on a waterside dock, dipping their feet in the water.

As for why Rockstar has remained largely silent on GTAV since announcing the project in October, the firm said it doesn't want to spoil the game prerelease, and it is simply not ready to show more.

"We want to keep plenty back for the actual game release so there are still lots of surprises when you play it," the statement reads. "The only things we care about are that you enjoy the experience of actually playing the game and that we release accurate information. We just have not been in a position to show more of the game than the trailer and will not be for a while yet."

Lastly, Rockstar addressed the future of the Red Dead Redemption franchise, saying news about a sequel to 2010's much-praised open-world Western is forthcoming.

"We don't always rush to make sequels, but that does not mean that we won’t get to them eventually," the statement reads. "Stay tuned for further announcements about the future of the Red Dead series."