Explosion at Rockstar North Headquarters: No Delays Expected for GTA 6

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An explosion at the Edinburgh office of Rockstar North, the developer behind the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, triggered an emergency response early Monday morning. Six fire engines were dispatched to the scene after reports of an incident on Holyrood Road.

Incident Details and Response

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed the call came in at 5:02 AM, with crews working for approximately four hours to secure the building. According to the SFRS, “firefighters worked to secure structural damage at a commercial building,” with no reported injuries.

Cause Identified: Boiler Malfunction

A Rockstar North spokesperson attributed the explosion to a “malfunction” in one of the building’s heating boilers. The company confirmed all employees are safe, and the studio remains fully operational. They thanked emergency services for their rapid response.

GTA 6 Release Timeline Unaffected

The incident comes as Rockstar North nears the release of GTA 6, currently slated for November 19, 2026. Despite earlier delays due to refinement and polish, according to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, there is no indication the explosion will further impact the schedule. Zelnick previously stated the company prioritized creative vision over strict deadlines.

Fan Reactions and Industry Concerns

News of the incident sparked anxiety among fans on social media. Some users joked about the possibility of further delays, given the game’s history of setbacks. However, Rockstar Games has yet to issue a statement suggesting the release date will be altered.

The studio remains open, and production continues as scheduled despite the disruption.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in large-scale game development, where even minor infrastructure failures can draw unwanted attention. Fans will remain hopeful that the studio can deliver the title on time, despite the unexpected chaos.