Initial expectations from industry analysts pegged Grand Theft Auto V for a holiday 2012 launch, but now, the same analysts from Sterne Agee are backtracking.
They now see GTA V launching around March of 2013, for a number of reasons. One of which is to add futher polish the game, while another is to avoid a fierce holiday battle with Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed, who typically dominate sales during that fiscal quarter.
They also suggest that Rockstar Games could be waiting for the Wii U launch. Wouldn't that be a shock? I can picture Reggie Fils-Aime pulling up his sleeve to reveal a GTA V tattoo.
It's worth noting that Rockstar Games has previously found much success in the month's of March-May, releasing LA Noire, Red Dead Redemption, and soon, Max Payne 3 all within that Spring-ish timeframe.
[Source]