Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, has become one of the best-selling games and the most profitable entertainment product. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for any news regarding the development of the next Grand Theft Auto installment.
After a nine-year wait, Rockstar Games confirmed the existence of GTA 6 in February 2022, causing excitement among millions.
The anticipation for the game has fueled a flurry of GTA 6 leaks, rumors, and speculation within the fan community.
It is expected to be a while before significant updates or official details about GTA 6 emerge, although they may come out as early as 2024.
This article will provide detailed coverage and analysis of all the latest information and developments surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6!
What did Rockstar announce so far about GTA 6?
Rockstar Games officially announced GTA 6 in 2022 through a GTA 5 and GTA Online Community Update. The announcement subtly revealed that GTA 6 was in active development. It stated that the team appreciated the support and looked forward to the future alongside fans.
“With the unprecedented longevity of GTAV , we know many of you have been asking us about a new entry in the Grand Theft Auto series. With every new project we embark on, our goal is always to significantly move beyond what we have previously delivered — and we are pleased to confirm that active development for the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is well underway. We look forward to sharing more as soon as we are ready, so please stay tuned to the Rockstar Newswire for official details. On behalf of our entire team, we thank you all for your support and cannot wait to step into the future with you!” - Rockstar Games
Since the announcement, Rockstar Games has maintained its characteristic silence, with no further official news about the game.
Take-Two Interactive's financial report in August 2022 reaffirmed that GTA 6 was progressing smoothly. CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed confidence in Rockstar's ability to establish new standards for creativity within the Grand Theft Auto series and the entertainment industry.
The GTA series' legacy demands a development team to capture fans' expectations while delivering a fresh, unprecedented experience. Rockstar aims to ensure that GTA 6 trailer and game reflect the series' core elements. They also aim to introduce innovative and unique aspects to create an entirely new experience.
What GTA 6 Leaks have been revealed?
On September 18, 2022, a significant GTA 6 leak occurred, revealing videos and screenshots from an alleged in-development version of the game. Rockstar Games confirmed the authenticity of the GTA 6 leaks through an official statement.
“We recently suffered a network intrusion in which an unauthorized third party illegally accessed and downloaded confidential information from our systems, including early development footage for the next Grand Theft Auto. At this time, we do not anticipate any disruption to our live game services nor any long-term effect on the development of our ongoing projects. We are extremely disappointed to have any details of our next game shared with you all in this way. Our work on the next Grand Theft Auto game will continue as planned and we remain as committed as ever to delivering an experience to you, our players, that truly exceeds your expectations. We will update everyone again soon and, of course, will properly introduce you to this next game when it is ready. We want to thank everyone for their ongoing support through this situation.” - The Rockstar Games Team
They showed that an unauthorized third party had illegally accessed and downloaded confidential information, including early development footage of the GTA 6 trailer.
The GTA Forums and dedicated GTA 6 Reddit removed all traces of the leaked content to avoid potential repercussions. However, the subreddit moderators allowed discussions about the GTA 6 leak but prohibited sharing direct links or downloads of leaked material.
CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed disappointment and emphasized the need for increased vigilance regarding cybersecurity. Nevertheless, the team reassured fans that the GTA 6 leak would not cause disruptions or delays. They promised to provide an official update when the game is ready.
The game is still on track and unlikely to face significant delays due to the GTA 6 leaks. The alleged hacker is currently under investigation by the FBI.
The GTA 6 leak revealed various aspects of the game, including character animations, location, combat, voice work, and more. It also confirmed the presence of two lead characters, one male and one female. The GTA 6 leaks were reportedly obtained from Rockstar's own Slack channels.
What is GTA 6 potential release date?
Rockstar Games has not provided a specific release date for GTA 6. According to a Bloomberg article in June 2022, current and former Rockstar staff believed GTA 6 trailer and game were at least two years from release, indicating a potential launch in 2024 or 2025.
The game is expected to be released on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles at launch. However, availability on older consoles will likely depend on the timing of GTA 6's release.
Considering these rumors, the release date for GTA 6 may be closer than anticipated. Nonetheless, until Rockstar Games officially confirms the date, it is best to treat these speculations as unofficial and subject to change.
What do we know about GTA 6's locations and maps?
Rockstar Games has confirmed the authenticity of leaked GTA 6 gameplay footage, shedding light on the game's location and setting. The footage indicates a return to Vice City, as various details indicate.
Screenshots show an underground rail system labeled "Vice City Metro," a fictional rendition of Miami. This aligns with leaked gameplay footage that showcased a "Vice City Metro" train.
Observing viewers have identified familiar landmarks from GTA 3: Vice City, such as the Malibu Club, Ocean View Hotel, Little Haiti, and Vice Beach.
However, Vice City in GTA 6 changed its last depiction of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, set in 1986. The GTA 6 leak showcases a modern-day setting, evident from NPCs using smartphones and wearing contemporary clothing. These details suggest that GTA 6 takes place in a present-day version of Miami, Florida.
The Bloomberg report suggests that the developers initially planned for GTA 6 to encompass vast areas inspired by North and South America. However, they reportedly scaled back the scope and focused primarily on Vice City and its surrounding region.
The game's world remains extensive, offering more interior locations than previous GTA series installments. Rockstar plans to update GTA 6 post-release by adding additional cities and interior locations.
This will provide developers with more flexibility during the development process and reduce the need for excessive overtime. The game aims to balance ongoing content updates and minimize studio crunch.
What will GTA 6 story be about?
Though Rockstar has not officially confirmed the story or characters in GTA 6, rumors surround the number of playable characters in GTA 6. Some suggest it will feature the series' first female Latina protagonist. The story is said to have a similar vibe to the criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde. Leaked gameplay footage shows two protagonists, one male, and one female.
This setup suggests that the game will revolve around a couple on the run from the authorities after committing a series of heists, which aligns with the typical GTA style. It also implies that GTA 6 may incorporate the character-switching mechanic introduced in GTA 5.
We may also see Rockstar's efforts to transform its workplace culture into a more inclusive and progressive company. We don’t know specific details about the second protagonist or their relationship with the female lead. The developers aim to create a respectful and inclusive narrative, avoiding "punching down" and reinforcing a positive workplace culture.
Furthermore, social media users have pointed out that a character refers to the death of the LifeInvader CEO, who was killed by Michael De Santa in GTA 5. This reference indicates that GTA 6 is set after the events of its predecessor.
What do we know about GTA 6 gameplay so far?
Rockstar has not released official gameplay details for GTA 6. However, GTA 6 leaks of early development footage from this year provided insights into potential new mechanics. The footage focused on robbery and heists, including new stealth mechanics.
Based on the deleted footage, GTA 6 appeared similar to GTA 5 but with additional and updated elements. This includes the ability to go prone. Note that the GTA 6 leak represented early development stages, so the final gameplay of GTA 6 may differ significantly.
Although GTA 6 may retain the third-person action gameplay, finer details like character switching, multiplayer elements, and player interaction with the game world remain to be discovered. Leaked footage provides limited insight into GTA 6's gameplay experience, focusing on early development assets.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed excitement about Rockstar's work on GTA 6, citing its past success in the GTA series.
