Rockstar Games is reportedly gearing up for a big release. According to recent reports, the studio is aiming to launch the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) during the Holiday 2024 season. This would mark a significant milestone in the Grand Theft Auto franchise, which has not seen a new mainline game since GTA 5 was released in 2013.
An intriguing leak has recently emerged, suggesting that GTA 6 might break away from the modern-day settings of its predecessors, GTA 4 and 5. The leak, originating from a now-suspended Twitter account, indicates that the upcoming instalment could transport players back to the late ’90s or early 2000s. If true, this would be a departure from recent trends in the series, and a return to the nostalgia-laced settings of some of the franchise’s most beloved titles.
The potential time period for GTA 6 was inferred from a clip shared by the aforementioned Twitter account. The clip, reportedly from the game’s development, depicted an in-game poster advertising cigarettes for $4.10. When accounting for inflation and historical pricing trends, this price tag suggests a setting in the late 20th to early 21st century. This detail, while seemingly minor, could have significant implications for the game’s atmosphere and narrative.
Speculation is also rife that the franchise will make a triumphant return to one of its most iconic locations: Vice City. Previously depicted during the vibrant ’80s in GTA: Vice City, this neon-lit metropolis based on Miami could receive a fresh makeover for the late ’90s or early 2000s setting. This could provide an opportunity for Rockstar to explore the cultural and societal changes that occurred in this location during this period, further enhancing the narrative depth of the game.’
Adding to the whirlwind of rumours, there’s talk about a potential new lead character joining the franchise’s illustrious roster. A female protagonist named Lucia is rumoured to be in the mix, with alleged ties to the Cuban gangs that featured prominently in the original Vice City game. If these rumours hold water, Lucia could become a ground-breaking character in the franchise, marking a significant step towards diversity in the game’s lead roles.
The speculated time frame of GTA 6 may also open up intriguing possibilities for character crossovers from earlier entries in the series, such as the GTA Trilogy and GTA 4. This could offer fans a chance to revisit beloved characters, see their evolution over time, and experience fresh narratives that build upon their established stories.
Despite the surge of leaks and rumours, Rockstar Games remains tight-lipped about the specifics of GTA 6. The only information officially confirmed by the studio is that the game is indeed in development. While fans eagerly await more concrete details about the game, the current speculation only fuels anticipation for the series’ return to the glitz, glamour, and notorious underbelly of Vice City.