San Andreas was released in 2004, GTA IV hit shelves in 2008, and GTA 5 came to life on our screens for the first time in 2013. By all logic, this suggests GTA 6 should have come out at least sometime before 2020. Alas, we’re still waiting.
Being one of the, if not perhaps the most high-profile game on the horizon, the developers are keeping their mouths closed. Keeping all that juicy information under wraps until they know they can deliver an astonishing next entry to the series. Thus, offered only a trail of crumbs by the developers, it’s hard to predict when GTA 6 will hit the market. But let’s unpack what we know so far.
Another leak suggested four potential playable characters; two cops and two gang members.
Where Will it be Set?
Rumours have been circulating about the setting of the next GTA for a while now. In June 2021, the setting of a modern-day Vice City was suggested. And when backed up by credible journalists like Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, this may hold some truth to it. Known video game tipster Tom Henderson also reiterated the fact that GTA 6 is going to be another modern title simply stating that “it’s not set in the 1980s”.
All of this ties into much older leaks headed by Reddit user JackOLantern1982, which stated that the project would take place in multiple countries where the player builds their own drug empire, somewhat akin to the expansion of “Vice City Stories.” But this leak was the one to suggest the 1970s/1980s period. So, such a message will need to be taken with a grain of salt.
Another leak still suggests that the game will take place in a modern-day Liberty City.
And more still suggest London, the U.K., Tokyo, and more. Ultimately, it’s hard to pin down where it will be set. But with a lot of options out there, including, of course, introducing a whole new area, we’ll just have to wait and see.
What’s the Story?
Similarly, based on rumours, I’d say there’s no point trying to pin down a story just yet. But, of course, we’re all willing to speculate. As per JackOLantern1982’s aforementioned leak, there was the suggestion of a single male protagonist who would become an international drug kingpin. Tying into many of the narratives of the era, like HIV, immigration, and the opening of borders.
Another leak suggested four potential playable characters; two cops and two gang members. An exciting prospect for sure, and one which has the potential to bring the best parts of L.A. Noire back into Rockstar’s formula. The only thing we know from Rockstar themselves is that they haven’t ruled out the idea of multiple protagonists—a fact explicitly stated in an interview with jeuxactu.com after the release of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Will it Keep GTA Online?
While Rockstar hasn’t commented extensively on GTA Online in relation to the next installment of the series, there are two factors worth considering. Firstly, the general consensus is that GTA Online has become a standalone project and is not intrinsically linked to GTA 5. This is because of the slew of updates, changes, and added that have blessed the GTA Online player base since the title launched.
Secondly, and because of this first point, many consider the integration of GTA Online into GTA 6—at least at launch—would likely damage both products.This is all because players see that GTA Online has become self-sustaining. Separating its label from GTA 5 and the need for any sequel. Thus, it’s likely that GTA Online will stay active during GTA 6 launches unless Rockstar decides to migrate over to the new system entirely before or soon after launch. If you’re still knee-deep in GTA Online, head on over to Eldorado to get your hands on some extra GTA cash, to help you on your way.
What Platforms Will it Release On?
Much like its predecessor, it’s expected that GTA 6 will be a current-gen console release only. Meaning you’ll most likely need a PS5 or an Xbox Series X|S to play the game. As we’ve seen, all other GTA games eventually make their way over to P.C., and this will likely also happen. But as with GTA 5, that might take a few years.
Much like its predecessor, it’s expected that GTA 6 will be a current-gen console release only. Meaning you’ll most likely need a PS5 or an Xbox Series X|S to play the game.
If No Date, Do We Have a Year?
Rockstar has given no dates. Not even a year. The little we have to go on is from Rockstar’s former president back in 2013, where he stated, “we don’t know what GTA 6 will be, but we’ve got some ideas… we’ve got about 45 years’ worth of ideas we want to do. [But] we’ll pick the right ones.”
Giving barely anything away, we haven’t had much more to go on in the last 9 years. However, the general consensus of the community is that we will have to wait until 2025 for GTA 6. If that’s too long for you to be waiting, perhaps it’s time to get a hold of GTA 5, or even an older title, to experience all the good stuff again. But, of course, you can do exactly that with GTA V accounts where you will also have all of the needed assets for your head start.
