The Long-Awaited Sequel GTA 6– With a staggering 185 million copies sold, Grand Theft Auto 5 remains a monumental success in the world of gaming and entertainment. A decade after its debut, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll delve into everything we know about Grand Theft Auto 6, from its potential release window and supported platforms to gameplay and more.
A Hint at the GTA 6 Release Window
The exact release date for GTA 6 remains a mystery, but Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the game, dropped a subtle hint. In its latest annual earnings report, Take-Two projected a remarkable $8 billion in net bookings for its fiscal year 2025, which spans from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. This substantial increase, a 50% rise from the previous record of $5.3 billion achieved in fiscal year 2023, strongly suggests that GTA 6 may be scheduled for release during this period.
Platforms and Versions
GTA 6 is expected to launch on the latest console platforms, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. While a PC version is anticipated, there is no guarantee that it will be available at the game’s initial release. Historical precedent shows that Rockstar’s previous releases, such as GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, arrived on PC at least a year after their console debuts. On the other hand, versions for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One seem less likely, although no official platform details have been confirmed.
Official GTA 6 Confirmation from Rockstar
In February 2022, Rockstar officially confirmed that the next Grand Theft Auto (likely named GTA VI) was in development. Here’s the official announcement from Rockstar:
“With the unprecedented longevity of GTA V, 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!”
Return to Vice City and Beyond
Grand Theft Auto 6 is rumored to revisit Vice City, the franchise’s version of Miami. According to a 2022 Bloomberg report, Vice City is just the starting point. Rockstar is said to have plans to continuously expand the game with “new missions and cities.” Additionally, it’s reported that GTA 6 will feature more interior locations than any previous installment. The game is codenamed “Project Americas,” a nod to Rockstar’s original plan to incorporate North and South American locations at launch, although this plan was reportedly scrapped to alleviate development crunch.
Bonnie & Clyde-Inspired Storyline
Reports suggest that GTA 6 will follow a storyline inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, with two bank robbers taking center stage. The characters are tentatively named Lucia and Jason, with Lucia possibly marking the first female playable character in the 3D era of GTA games. While plot details are scarce, it’s worth noting that Rockstar is reportedly adopting a more sensitive approach to satire, aiming to avoid humor at the expense of marginalized groups.
The GTA 6 Leak
In a major breach on September 18, 2022, GTA 6 faced what could be one of the most significant video game leaks in history. A hacker infiltrated Rockstar’s network and disseminated 90 GTA 6 videos online. This in-development footage, verified by Rockstar, showcased parts of the game world, gunplay mechanics, and NPCs. It also seemingly confirmed that GTA 6 would feature both a male and female protagonist. Furthermore, Rockstar had filed a patent in 2019 for enhanced NPC drivers, a technology that could potentially enhance GTA 6’s realism and immersion.
Ten months later, a British teenager was arrested for his role in a series of hacks, one of which is believed to be the source of the major GTA 6 leak.
Development and Key Personnel
Grand Theft Auto 6 is being developed by Rockstar North, the studio responsible for every mainline GTA game since the franchise’s inception in 1997. Notably, Rockstar began collaborating with Cfx.re, the modding team behind the most significant GTA 5 roleplay servers, in August. It’s uncertain whether this collaboration will extend to GTA 6.
Two prominent figures of the Grand Theft Auto series, Dan Houser and Leslie Benzies, left Rockstar in the years following GTA 5’s release. Houser, the co-founder and head writer of Rockstar Games, had played a pivotal role in shaping the series. Meanwhile, Benzies, the former Rockstar North president, had served as a series producer since Grand Theft Auto III. Additionally, Mike Unsworth, Rockstar’s VP of writing, departed from the company in August 2023, though it’s possible that his work on GTA 6 had already concluded.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the arrival of GTA 6, the Grand Theft Auto series remains a cultural phenomenon, known for pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling and open-world exploration. Stay tuned to the Rockstar Newswire for official updates on this highly anticipated title.