After over a decade since the last GTA game, Rockstar Games has finally confirmed the development of Grand Theft Auto 6, set to release in fall 2025. The anticipation for this installment has been palpable, and now that the game is official, we’re eager to learn more about what awaits us in the criminal underworld.
Rockstar Games’ parent company, Take-Two Interactive, confirmed the launch window in a May 2024 earnings call. CEO Strauss Zelnick highlighted the company’s confidence in delivering an unparalleled experience, suggesting a potential game-changer in the gaming landscape.
While the official trailer for GTA 6 was initially planned for December 5th, 2023, a leaked version forced the release a day early. The trailer introduced us to the game’s protagonists: Lucia, a character with a criminal background, and a male character, yet unnamed, who appears to be her partner in crime and potentially in romance.
Perhaps the most exciting reveal is the return to Vice City, though this time we’ll be experiencing the vibrant city in the modern era. The trailer showcased a variety of environments, from bustling city streets and beaches to the more secluded suburbs and swamps.
While GTA 6 is officially confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S at launch, the omission of PC at the outset has raised eyebrows. Although GTA 5 took two years to reach PC, Red Dead Redemption 2 arrived only a few weeks after its console launch. This leads to speculation about a potential PC release following the initial launch, but that remains uncertain. The next Nintendo console’s inclusion in the release plans is also still up in the air.
Although the trailer focused primarily on cinematic visuals, we can glean some information about the gameplay from the glimpses we were given. Naturally, players can expect plenty of shooting, driving, and criminal activities, as showcased in the trailer’s scenes of robberies, high-speed chases, and extravagant parties.
Beyond the basics, we can anticipate GTA 6 to continue the trend of allowing players to switch between first- and third-person perspectives, a feature introduced in GTA 5 and carried over to Red Dead Redemption 2. The trailer hints at a densely packed world with a vast number of characters and actions happening simultaneously. Each NPC appears distinct and animated, seamlessly interacting with the environment.
Considering the scale of the world, we can anticipate a wealth of side activities, mini-games, and other distractions, offering players countless hours of exploration and entertainment. Each installment has been pushing the boundaries of extras, and GTA 6 is likely to continue this trend.
The success of GTA Online with GTA V is undeniable, bringing in a huge player base and contributing significantly to the game’s longevity. This naturally raises the question: Will GTA 6 feature a similar online component?
While the specific details of online functionality are yet to be revealed, it’s highly probable that some form of multiplayer will be included. Whether it’s a fully online experience or a dedicated multiplayer mode like the previous installment remains a mystery. However, considering the success of GTA Online, it’s unlikely Rockstar would abandon online multiplayer for this installment.
An interesting development regarding GTA 6’s version of GTA Online is the absence of dedicated servers. Insider Tez reports that Take-Two rejected a proposal for dedicated servers, citing cost concerns.
A crucial question is whether this new GTA Online will launch alongside the main game or be released at a later date. GTA Online launched almost a month after GTA 5, while Red Dead Online took even longer. While we don’t expect such a long delay for GTA 6, Rockstar might opt to give players time to explore the single-player campaign before introducing online multiplayer. This could also serve as a second launch, generating renewed buzz for the game.
Pre-orders for GTA 6 aren’t available yet, which is expected given the 2025 release date. We can anticipate pre-order information to become available closer to the confirmed release date. However, potential delays could push back pre-order availability further. Regardless, we will keep you updated on pre-order details as soon as they become available.
