When it comes to gaming, a few names are as big as Grand Theft Auto. The current edition of the game, GTA 5, is currently the biggest entertainment product there is. The game is nearly 10 years old but is still as popular as it was when it first launched. A testament to its popularity is that it has now spaned three console generations and is still going strong.
But the game is slowly and surely getting long in the tooth. Gamers have been clamouring for the next instalment in the series for years now. Publishers Rockstar Games recently announced that it will release a trailer for GTA 6 early next month, which will coincide with the publisher’s 25th anniversary. So suffice it to say, excitement levels in the community are quite high.
Of course, Rockstar has remained quite tight-lipped about the title. But thanks to leaks and rumours, including a massive leak a while ago, we know what we can expect from GTA 6. Here’s a quick look at some of the features you can expect from GTA 6.
1. Multiple Protagonists
The inclusion of three protagonists in GTA 5 was a refreshing change to the series. It adds greater depth to missions and helps players to see ongoing events from different perspectives. So we can expect Rockstar to stick with the formula. Leaks and rumours suggest that the game will feature two protagonists, a male and a female. The two are reportedly inspired by 1930’s bank robbers, Bonnie and Clyde. This would also mark the first time that GTA would feature a playable female protagonist.
2. Return to Vice City
Almost all leaks and rumours seem to suggest that the game will be set in Vice City, which is based in Miami. The location should be quite familiar to players as it was the setting for GTA: Vice City and GTA: Vice City Stories. Of course, the actual map should be quite bigger than the one we have seen earlier. Some rumours also suggest that the map will be the largest GTA game yet and will incorporate elements from the whole state of Florida.
3. Detailed interiors
Another rumour that is floating around suggests that GTA 6 might have a lot more ‘enterable buildings’ as compared to its predecessor. The leaked footage showcased a highly detailed diner that the player was robbing. Multiple interiors should allow for a greater emphasis on theft and robberies, which would be more in line with a Bonnie and Clyde-inspired story.
4. GTA 6 Online
While the leaks and rumours haven’t specifically talked about the online aspect of the game, we can assume that it will be there. GTA Online is at the heart of GTA V’s success and it stands to reason that Rockstar will want to continue the trend. The biggest question will be how the publisher implements monetisation. Since the launch of GTA V in 2013, monetisation in games has come a long way and might even be called predatory at times.
5. Cryptocurrency?
There have been leaks and rumours that seem to suggest some cryptocurrency incorporated into the game. However, it won’t be an actual currency like Bitcoin, rather, it will be some sort of in-game currency. It could be used by higher-up characters as a way to transfer large amounts of money. It is also possible that the game will use this as a way to differentiate between premium and free in-game currency.
GTA 6 release timeline
Because the game’s first trailer will be showcased this December, we can expect the game to be released within a year or so. The first trailer for GTA V dropped in 2011, while the game was launched in 2013. Similarly, GTA IV’s first trailer was in 2007, and the game was released in 2008. So, we can expect GTA 6 to launch sometime in late 2024 or 2025.
