It's a series that peaked on the PS2. It's living off those games reputation and we're all chasing the high of 3, Vice City and San Andreas.
That's why I laugh when people act like GTA 6 is this alpha omega of gaming that nothing can compare to. It's a tired game in a tired genre that hasn't truly been innovative in several console gens. The huge gaps in releases has actually helped GTA maintain its lofty reputation. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. But if they were releasing games at a greater clip, I think most people would've see these games for what they are.
I'm sure the attention to detail on the next game will be impeccable. The game will have all the bells and whistles. Prestige TV style storytelling. But ultimately we all know what the gameplay is going to be. We know what them missions look like. We know the combat is gonna be janky. I hope i'm wrong and they do something unique and special, but i'm just expecting a souped up GTA 5. And for some people that's enough.