As we wait with bated breath for GTA 6 to be officially revealed, join us on a journey through the release date, rumors, leaks, and official hints that have surfaced over the years.
GTA 6 Release Date
There have been conflicting reports about the release date of Grand Theft Auto VI. While the official trailer only confirms a 2025 release window, some sources suggested a delay to 2026 due to development setbacks. However, reporter Mike Straw, citing anonymous insiders, claims that GTA VI is still on track for a 2025 launch. With no official update from Rockstar Games, the exact release date remains unclear, but a late 2025 release seems more probable based on current information.
Platforms
For now, GTA 6 is only confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. There’s no official word on a PC release, which might disappoint PC gamers. While last-generation consoles and the Switch are unlikely to see the game, a PC release could follow later, similar to Red Dead Redemption 2.
Next-Gen Performance: 60fps Uncertain
While the release window is exciting news, whispers regarding the game’s performance on PlayStation 5 (PS5) are less optimistic. Tech experts believe achieving a smooth 60 frames per second (fps) at launch might be unlikely.
Digital Foundry’s Rich Leadbetter suggests that games currently targeting 30fps are unlikely to jump to 60fps on the rumored PS5 Pro if they’re CPU-limited. This throws some cold water on the idea of a flawless 60fps GTA 6 experience, at least initially.
Only time will tell if Rockstar can pull off a 60fps experience or if players will have to settle for a polished 30fps for now.
Debut Trailer and Setting
Rockstar surprised fans by releasing the debut trailer a day earlier than planned in response to a leak. The trailer, set to Tom Petty’s “Love Is A Long Road,” introduces players to the dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, as they navigate the criminal underworld in Vice City, a reimagined version of Miami, Florida. Unlike previous renditions, this Vice City is set in modern times, offering players a fresh perspective on the iconic location. The trailer hints at heists, hijackings, and a plethora of criminal activities awaiting players in the neon-soaked streets.
In a statement, Rockstar Games revealed, “Grand Theft Auto VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series yet.”
Gameplay
Leaks have offered fleeting glimpses into the sandbox playground of GTA 6, and while the core gameplay seems to retain the familiar GTA charm, some intriguing details have emerged. From the leaked footage, we see Lucia, our presumed protagonist, holding up a diner with ruthless efficiency. Jason, another character, joins the action, and together they engage in classic GTA fare: car chases, shootouts with the cops, and a healthy dose of chaos.
But it’s not just a rehash of the past. The leaks hint at deeper customization options, with players potentially able to adjust car interiors and controls to their liking. The leaked footage also showcases a cover system, crouching and crawling mechanics, and even a new “vision ability” that might provide a tactical edge (think Red Dead Redemption’s Dead Eye, but with a twist).
Will GTA Online Make a Return?
With GTA Online’s immense success, it’s highly likely GTA 6 will feature online functionality. Whether it launches alongside the main game or arrives later remains to be seen. GTA Online launched a month after GTA 5, while Red Dead Online took even longer. Expect a shorter wait for GTA 6 Online, but Rockstar might offer players some time with the single-player experience before pulling them into the online world.
Price Speculations and Clarifications
While the trailer has ignited excitement among fans, Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive have remained tight-lipped about the game’s pricing. Speculation suggests a $69.99 price point, aligning with the industry standard for AAA titles with substantial budgets.
Dismissing rumors of exorbitant costs, fans need not worry about unfounded claims regarding a $150 price tag or a pay-per-hour model. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s comments were apparently misconstrued, leading to baseless speculation.
Rockstar’s Hints
Despite its legendary secrecy, Rockstar has offered some insights into GTA 6 over the years. In 2013, former Rockstar president Leslie Benzies hinted at the extensive brainstorming that goes into the game’s creation, emphasizing that the setting plays a defining role in shaping the missions and the story.
However, much has changed since then. Benzies’ departure and criticism of staff working conditions during the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 have contributed to the game’s extended development time.
The anticipation for GTA 6 continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting official news from Rockstar Games. While much remains shrouded in mystery, leaks, rumors, and subtle hints have provided gamers with intriguing possibilities for the next installment of this iconic series. As we wait for Rockstar to unveil more details about GTA 6, the excitement and speculation surrounding the game are at an all-time high.
