It’s been a decade since GTA 5 revolutionized the gaming industry. After years of anticipation, Rockstar Games finally unveiled the first trailer for GTA 6 on December 5, 2023. The cinematic trailer provided a glimpse into the new game, confirming numerous speculations and leaks. Let’s dive into everything we know about Grand Theft Auto 6, including details about the map, characters, platforms, the speculated release date, and much more.
* This article was last updated on March 14, 2024, to include new details about GTA 6, along with updates to the title and headers for better readability.
Confirmed Release Window and Announcement for GTA 6
Although Rockstar Games did not confirm the exact date, the trailer provided a release window with a graphic indicating that GTA 6 will be released sometime in 2025. This timeline is further supported by Rockstar Games requesting their employees to return to the office to expedite development. Additionally, Jason Schreier had previously mentioned a tentative 2024/2025 release date, aligning with this new information.
Schreier had previously speculated on the trailer drop date in a Bloomberg report, suggesting that the first trailer for GTA 6 would be revealed in December 2023, coinciding with Rockstar’s 25th anniversary. True to this speculation, Rockstar confirmed the official trailer for Grand Theft Auto, which was set for “early December” 2023, and subsequently released the trailer.
In February 2022, Rockstar had confirmed via an official Newswire post that the “next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is well underway.” Later, in June 2022, Rockstar Games stated they were dedicating all their resources to the development of GTA VI.
With all the news and speculations, it seems the release date for GTA 6 is approaching. The studio also posted a job alert for a Russian linguistic expert on a 12-month contract for translation and font work, suggesting a potential release date in Q2-Q3 of 2025.
Take-Two Financial Reports Hint at Release Timeline
In June 2023, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, publicly released its latest financial reports. Among other announcements, Take-Two hinted at the release of ‘groundbreaking titles‘ in the first financial quarter of FY25 (April 2024 – May 2025).
Although there hasn’t been an official confirmation, many gamers speculate that this groundbreaking title will be GTA 6. Additionally, the company emphasized its promise of significant revenue. In its latest earnings call held in August 2023, Take-Two CEO and Chairman Strauss Zelnick expressed confidence in the company’s positioning for substantial profits for FY25.
Based on this information, we can anticipate the launch date mentioned above, as it aligns with the company’s projections for increased profits.
Will There Be Further Delays for the Game?
As of now, development is progressing at full speed, according to reports from Rockstar Games. However, Rockstar has previously explained why the game’s development faced significant delays.
Like many other AAA titles, GTA 6 encountered several challenges that impacted its progress and release schedule. One major factor was the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global operations. Additionally, internal conflicts at Rockstar Games prompted the company to reconsider its policies and restructure its team.
Initially, most sources suggested a late 2024 launch for GTA 6, but a significant issue arose. On September 18, 2022, Rockstar Games suffered a massive data breach, resulting in the GTA 6 leak of over 90 gameplay videos and portions of the game’s source code. This led to concerns that the game’s release date might be delayed by months or even years.
Fortunately, Rockstar Games quickly addressed the situation, stating that while they were disappointed by the leak, their “work on the next Grand Theft Auto game will continue as planned.”
Many speculate that Rockstar Games was aiming to capitalize on the success and popularity of GTA 5 (and its online counterpart) before launching its successor. Considering the immense revenue generated by GTA 5, it’s not surprising that the studio wanted to continue supporting its flagship product. However, with the trailer unveiling the release window, it appears that the time has come for GTA 6 to join the Grand Theft Auto universe.
GTA 6 Possible Development Reboot
While we understand the aforementioned delays, there is something to be said about the 10-year gap. However, some news confirms that GTA 6 might have actually been in the works for a long time. The source of this news comes from the LinkedIn profile of Jon Young, an ex-Rockstar employee. Young was employed at Rockstar Games from 2005 to 2018, contributing to various projects. His final role at the company was as the Lead Video Editor in the research department from 2015 to 2018.
This suggests that work on GTA 6 may have commenced in some form as early as 2015, just two years after GTA 5’s release. However, insider Tez2 has indicated that the production was rebooted around the release of Red Dead Redemption 2. While this information should be approached with caution, it could help explain the delays in the development of GTA 6.
GTA 6 Trailer 2 & Pre-Order Rumors
Rockstar had initially planned to premiere the first trailer of GTA 6 on December 5, 2023. However, due to early leaks, the official trailer was released prematurely. Despite this, Rockstar Games set records with the first trailer of the highly anticipated game.
Recent changes on the Rockstar Games website suggest that the second trailer and a possible pre-order option might be coming soon. The section on the website, which previously said ‘Watch Trailer 1,’ has now been changed to ‘Videos,’ indicating that more videos will be added to the GTA 6 official page. Additionally, Rockstar Games has listed GTA 6 among the games available on its store. These developments have sparked speculation about the timing of the pre-order and wishlist window for GTA 6.
GTA 6 Supported Platforms Confirmation
The gaming landscape has evolved significantly during the long gap between GTA 6 and GTA 5. Based on the trailer and subsequent confirmation, GTA VI will debut on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S initially. This suggests that older consoles like the PS4 might not receive the game, making GTA VI likely exclusive to PS5 and unavailable for PS4 users.
As for a PC version of GTA 6, there’s no official confirmation on its release date yet. However, if we follow Rockstar Games’ past practices, similar to GTA 5, the game will probably be ported to PC at some point.
Considering this, PC users might have to wait until after 2025 to play GTA 6. To provide context, GTA 5 was released on consoles in 2013 and on PC in 2015, which implies a similar timeframe for GTA 6’s PC release.
Speculated Possible Characters in GTA 6
In the sixteen games of the GTA franchise, playable female characters have been rare. Only the first two GTA games featured female protagonists, while the rest were dominated by male characters.
However, GTA 6 is set to change this trend by introducing Lucia as a playable character. The first trailer of the game showcases Lucia’s story and her connection with a male protagonist, rumored to be named Jason. This marks Lucia as the first playable female character in the history of the GTA series. The game is expected to feature both Lucia and Jason as main characters, progressing through the story together.
Further speculation suggests that Lucia and Jason may be styled after the infamous criminal couple, Bonnie and Clyde. Known for their bank robberies, Bonnie and Clyde are iconic figures in American history. This suggests that Lucia and Jason will likely work together in the game’s storyline, possibly sharing an inventory and collaborating closely throughout the game.
Rumors Surrounding the Storyline: Is It Anything New?
While much information exists regarding the characters of GTA 6, details about the storyline itself remain largely speculative. The trailer suggests that the protagonist duo is romantically involved, and indications point to them being modeled after the infamous criminal couple, Bonnie and Clyde.
Support for this theory comes from leaked gameplay footage of GTA 6 from September 2022, which depicted both female and male characters. Additionally, leaked clips showcased gameplay from the perspectives of both characters, suggesting a seamless switching system, potentially more dynamic than in GTA 5.
Furthermore, in a GTA 6 poster, one of the protagonists, Lucia, is depicted wearing a prison anklet, hinting at possible storyline elements. This could imply initial gameplay restrictions on the map, with further progression unlocking additional areas, according to speculation.
Expected & Confirmed Map Details: Vice City Returns
Speaking of maps, GTA 6 will take place in the State of Leonida, featuring the return of the iconic Vice City as seen in the trailer. Based on leaked gameplay and past patterns, it’s likely that GTA 6’s story will primarily unfold in the iconic Vice City. The trailer confirms Bloomberg’s report, which describes GTA 6’s setting to be based in a location inspired by Miami and its neighboring areas.
Possible Appearance of Gator Keys
The trailer for GTA Vice City reveals the return of iconic locations like the Malibu Club and Ocean View Hotel, promising a nostalgic trip. Additionally, glimpses of other famous Vice City spots suggest a broader exploration beyond the city limits.
Rockstar Games appears poised to expand the game world into neighboring areas, possibly including the State of Leonida. Early rumors suggest that locations like Gator Keys, which were initially planned for older GTA titles but never made it to final development, might finally debut in this iteration, alongside Port Gelhorn. The trailer hints at diverse environments, including swamps, lakes, and potentially different seasons, indicating a richer, more immersive world for players to explore.
Massive Map: Exploring Other Parts of Leonida
While official renders of GTA 6’s map are not yet available, Reddit users have taken the initiative to create their own interpretations. By combining coordinates from GTA 5 with leaked information about GTA 6, the Reddit mapping community has produced a rendition of the upcoming game’s map. This unofficial map suggests that GTA 6’s world will be significantly larger than GTA V’s, promising an expansive and immersive gaming experience.
In the official GTA 6 poster, a Reddit user zoomed in and decoded a map artwork depicting the State of Leonida. This discovery, coupled with the presence of Leonida’s police car and a Sheriff’s badge in the trailer, solidifies the speculation that GTA 6 will feature a vast and detailed map.
Expected Gameplay and Graphic Enhancements
Discussing the gameplay mechanics of GTA 6 is challenging due to the absence of official announcements. The trailer does not clearly showcase gameplay, leaving fans to speculate about potential features. Although Rockstar has not provided any clues, leaked gameplay footage and recent rumors offer some insights into what fans can expect.
Expected Movement, Driving, and New Mechanics
According to leaks, GTA 6 has seen significant improvements in movement and driving mechanics. Characters, including the protagonists, now move more fluidly with a natural gait, a marked improvement from the sometimes clunky movement in GTA 5. Additionally, leaked gameplay footage indicates improved hand-to-hand combat mechanics, enhancing the experience of throwing punches and dodging. Gunplay also appears to have been refined, based on the clips available.
The leaks suggest that Rockstar has introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to carry bodies, crawl, and go prone, adding depth to character actions beyond simple crouching. Players can expect new items like painkillers, lockpicks, and USB drives to enhance gameplay. Some familiar features from previous games, like the weapon wheel from GTA V, have been retained, albeit with improvements to streamline the selection process.
Expected Revamped Police
Recent leaked footage from a now-suspended account also reveals modifications to the AI behavior of GTA 6’s police. In a now-deleted minute-long video, a Vice City officer is seen hiding while attempting to approach Lucia, a character in the game. The officer then stands up and walks when he reaches a safe distance. These changes suggest that enemy AI in GTA 6 will be more intelligent and potentially more aggressive toward Lucia and Jason, the protagonists.
Additionally, the leaked footage hints at a new spawn mechanic for police AI, where they wait for a timed countdown before approaching the crime scene. When combined with the improved movement and combat mechanics mentioned earlier, these changes promise a significant enhancement to the gameplay experience in GTA 6.
Expected Weapons and Inventory
Based on the latest speculations and leaks, GTA 6 is expected to feature the following weapons:
- The game may include limited weapon storage, with one slot for each type of weapon. However, certain missions, such as heists, could offer additional storage for looted items.
- Most weapons from GTA 5 are expected to return in GTA 6, following the trend of previous games. Additionally, leaked videos suggest the inclusion of new weapons, such as a torch, speargun, golf ball, tracker jammer, pool cue, and specialized golf sticks.
- Some social media users claim that leaked footage showcases the ability to shoot while swimming, a new feature for the franchise. However, this feature might be limited to pistols only, similar to Modern Warfare 2.
Additional Gameplay Speculations
Recent reports speculate that the San Andreas basketball minigame may make a return in GTA 6, along with the addition of dual-wielding weapons and expanded dismemberment and gore mechanics. The same source suggests that opening cars might be more challenging in the new game.
Speculated GTA Radio Artists
While details about the voice actors for GTA 6 protagonists are becoming clearer, the game’s radio stations are also expected to feature prominent artists. T-Pain recently mentioned that he is unable to play GTA Online RP because he is working on tracks for GTA 6. Similarly, ScHoolboy Q has announced his involvement in the game as well. These developments suggest that GTA 6 could feature a significant number of celebrity appearances.
Expected New Game Engine
The story of every video game is significantly influenced by the capabilities of the engine used to develop it. The game engine serves as the foundational platform on which the game world is built, functions, and interacts with the player. According to Chris Klippel, the leaker who provided GTA 6’s release timeline, Grand Theft Auto 6 is being developed using a new version of the RAGE engine.
If Klippel’s claim is accurate, this new engine is expected to be more powerful than its predecessor, which powered GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2. This development suggests that GTA 6 could deliver not only stunning graphics but also more complex and elaborate missions. With a more robust engine and advanced platforms, GTA 6 has the potential to offer a gameplay experience that goes beyond the traditional “go and kill” missions that have been prevalent in the franchise.
Will GTA 6 Have Multiplayer Online Mode?
The success of GTA Online, based on GTA V, suggests that the inclusion of an online multiplayer mode in GTA 6 is plausible. Beyond speculation, recent listings on Rockstar Games’ job openings website have specifically mentioned “online” gameplay in their descriptions.
These job listings hint at the development of online multiplayer content for GTA 6. However, there is also the possibility that this could pertain to new content for GTA 5 Online, although this seems unlikely considering the focus on future projects.
GTA 6 September 2022 Leak
All details in this article are derived solely from social media posts from various sources. This includes information from posts that reference the major GTA 6 data leak of September 2022. However, we want to clarify that we do not have access to the leaked material, and we strongly condemn any unauthorized dissemination of such information.
- Leaked clips suggest references to Vice City, with cop cars featuring VCPD (Vice City Police Department) and a metro train displaying Vice City on its side.
- Similar to RDR2’s “eagle eye,” GTA 6 might introduce a feature to highlight interactable spots in its highly interactive world, aiding players in spotting cues and items.
- Building on GTA 5’s mobile phone and internet system, GTA 6 may include a chat-based communication feature, hinted at by a “WhatUp! -Messenger” notification seen in leaked footage.
- The leaked footage indicates new crawling animations in addition to existing crouching and cover mechanics, with going prone and crawling being entirely new to the series.
- Twitter users note improved NPC movement in GTA 6, likening it to the natural feel of NPC movement in GTA 4. It’s unclear if GTA 6 reverts to GTA 4’s physics engine or features a new one.
This concludes the current information available on the highly anticipated release of GTA 6 in 2025. We will update you with more details as they become available. Are you looking forward to the release of GTA 6? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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