In a surprising turn of events, fans of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) have ignited a heated discussion across social media platforms following the release of new screenshots by Rockstar Games. One particular image, dubbed "Grassrivers 02," has become the focal point of speculation, with eagle-eyed gamers claiming to have spotted what appears to be a child non-playable character (NPC) in the background. This potential inclusion marks a significant departure from the Grand Theft Auto franchise’s historical approach, as no previous title in the series has featured children as interactable NPCs in its open-world environment. The discovery has divided the community, raising questions about realism, controversy, and the boundaries of open-world gaming.
Earlier this month, Rockstar Games released the highly anticipated second trailer for GTA 6, alongside a collection of over 70 new screenshots showcasing the vibrant, neon-soaked streets of Vice City and the expansive state of Leonida. The screenshots, which highlight the game’s stunning visuals and immersive world, were met with widespread excitement. However, it was the "Grassrivers 02" image—a serene depiction of a waterside restaurant with a city skyline in the background—that caught the attention of fans for an unexpected reason. When zoomed in, a smaller figure seated at a table with two adult NPCs appears to have the stature of a child, prompting speculation that Rockstar may be introducing child NPCs for the first time in the franchise’s history.
The Grand Theft Auto series has long been known for its mature themes, including violence, crime, and adult-oriented content, which has historically led Rockstar to exclude children from its open-world environments. While minors have appeared in cutscenes in previous titles, such as Grand Theft Auto V, they have never been present as ambient pedestrians due to the potential for controversial player interactions. The inclusion of children could enhance the realism of GTA 6’s world, making Leonida feel more alive and immersive, but it also risks sparking significant backlash given the franchise’s reputation for allowing players considerable freedom in their actions.
The speculation gained traction after a post by X user @TheGTAVerse went viral, amassing over 1.4 million views. The post featured a zoomed-in version of the screenshot, with the caption, “A kid spotted in #GTAVI screenshot 👀.” Fans quickly took to social media to debate the figure’s identity, with some asserting it is undeniably a child, while others argue it could be a shorter adult or a graphical anomaly. One user commented, “That’s gotta be a kid fr,” while another countered, “It’s not clear enough—could just be a woman with short hair or a small NPC.”
Adding fuel to the debate, some fans pointed to a scene from the first GTA 6 trailer, released in December 2023, where two young boys appeared to be playing in the mud in the background, suggesting this may not be the first hint of children in the game’s promotional material.
Rockstar Games has not officially commented on the speculation, leaving fans to theorize about how child NPCs might be implemented, if at all. Some, like X user GameRoll, who has previously shared accurate information about GTA VI, proposed that Rockstar could adopt an approach similar to its Red Dead Redemption 2, where children were present but could not be harmed by players. “If they put children in areas where cars can’t reach, that would actually be a genius way to implement them,” GameRoll wrote. “Make them unshootable/unexplodable like in RDR2 too.” This method would align with practices seen in other open-world titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077, where child NPCs are visible but protected from player-inflicted harm to avoid controversy.
The potential inclusion of children in GTA 6 raises significant questions about game design and ethics. Open-world games with high degrees of player freedom, like the Grand Theft Auto series, often face scrutiny for their violent content. Including child NPCs could amplify these concerns, as even non-violent interactions could lead to public relations challenges. For instance, inZoi, another open-world game, recently faced backlash after a viral video showed a player harming child NPCs, prompting developers to patch out the ability to do so, citing it as an “unintended bug.” Similarly, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s executive producer cited potential “PR problems” and player misbehavior as reasons for excluding children from its open world. These examples highlight the delicate balance developers must strike when incorporating younger characters into mature-rated games.
Despite the controversy, some fans argue that including children could elevate GTA 6’s realism to new heights. The series has long prided itself on creating living, breathing worlds, and the absence of children has often been noted as a limitation. While some fans say that it would make the world of the game more immersive, others express skepticism.
The debate comes at a time when GTA 6 is already under intense scrutiny following its announced delay to May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The second trailer, confirmed to feature in-game footage captured on a PS5, has been praised for its lifelike visuals, further fueling anticipation for what Rockstar describes as the “biggest, most immersive evolution” of the Grand Theft Auto series. The screenshots, including “Grassrivers 02,” showcase a level of detail that has fans dissecting every frame for clues about the game’s world, mechanics, and story.
As the gaming community awaits further details, the question of whether GTA 6 will include child NPCs remains unanswered. If Rockstar does choose to include them, it will likely involve careful design choices to mitigate risks, such as restricting their presence to safe areas or making them invulnerable to player actions. For now, the “Grassrivers 02” screenshot continues to spark discussion, with fans divided between excitement over the potential for a more realistic world and caution about the implications of such a bold move. As one fan aptly put it on X, “Rockstar’s either about to redefine open-world gaming or step into a PR nightmare. Either way, I’m here for it.”
For more updates on GTA 6 including new trailers, screenshots, and community discussions, fans can visit GTA 6 News Source Facebook page. As the May 2026 release date approaches, the world will be watching to see how Rockstar navigates this controversial yet intriguing possibility.
You can watch the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI below:
