Given the massive success of Grand Theft Auto V, especially considering that it is the highest grossing singular piece of media in human history, fans of the series have been anticipating the next installment in the series with much enthusiasm. Sequels in the GTA series have often been ripe for rumors about their contents and release, and the hypothetical Grand Theft Auto VI has been no exception. These rumors only increased with the appearance of a new advertisement in GTA V Online, but now Rockstar Games has stepped in to dispel the Grand Theft Auto VI rumors.

Many Grand Theft Auto Online players have been noticing messages like the one seen above that claim GTA VI will be releasing some time in 2019, and that pre-orders are available on the official Rockstar Games website. Given the message’s appearance in an official Rockstar video game, it certainly seemed convincing enough to be real, even though it would be an odd way for Rockstar to reveal the GTA sequel’s development, let alone a release year. As such, more discerning players decided to ask Rockstar themselves if the messages were real. It seems that Rockstar felt the need to address these rumors directly.

This is a hoax made with the use of mods, and not an official message or statement from Rockstar Games. *NM

— Rockstar Support (@RockstarSupport) July 4, 2018

The official Rockstar Support Twitter account responded to a fan inquiry about these ads and confirmed that they were fakes made by modders. This certainly would make sense, given the prevalence of GTA modders and the fact that it only appeared in GTA Online. Red Dead Redemption 2 has not even released yet, and Rockstar would probably not be keen on detracting from fan excitement over that sequel with another game announcement. While this may come as a disappointment to some, given Rockstar’s record of taking time with their sequels, and the continued sales of GTA V, they definitely seem content riding that particular wave as long as they can.

What do you guys think about Rockstar shutting down these Grand Theft Auto VI rumors? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to stay tuned for the latest Rockstar Games news, such as the contents of the Red Dead Redemption 2 special editions, here on Don’t Feed the Gamers! Follow us on Twitter to see our updates the minute they go live!