To say Grand Theft Auto 6 is highly anticipated is an understatement. Rockstar's next chapter in its long-running crime-soaked series is expected to be one of the biggest launches in gaming history, and as the wait continues, speculation about Grand Theft Auto 6 continues to grow.
So far, Rockstar has offered two fantastic-looking cinematic trailers, brief details about the game's main cast of characters, and the different types of locations to look forward to. While gamers have only gotten two trailers in the span of several years, what GTA 6's sneak peeks have showcased is intriguing. Eager fans have picked apart the GTA 6 trailers over and over, and one of the standout moments for me revolve around Lucia's time in prison. It's unclear how much of her time locked up will be part of the story, but right now, GTA 6 has me craving a prison break game.
GTA 6's Prison Scenes Make the Case for a New Kind of Rockstar Game
Why is Lucia Behind Bars?
Right now, it's unclear how Lucia ended up incarcerated, but both trailers have made it a point to emphasize her time locked up. While it hasn't been confirmed, it might be safe to assume that her release is somewhere near the beginning of GTA 6's story, and by all accounts, she's leaving on good terms. It's possible that these prison-focused moments are only shown through cutscenes, but this also opens the door for some potential gameplay within the prison's walls.
Interacting with fellow inmates, trying to keep on the good side of guards, and even getting into prison yard fights definitely seems like it would be up Rockstar's alley, but such a feature would only be a very brief part of GTA 6's much larger scope. A GTA game that centers mostly around the ins and outs of a prison culture is unlikely to ever really happen, because it goes against the heart of the franchise, which is exploration.
GTA 6's protagonists Lucia and Jason are reportedly inspired by real-life outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.
GTA 6's Prison Moments Should Inspire an Entire Game
It's unclear if Rockstar is working on any new IP, so this is just me voicing what is likely a huge pipe dream. There have been recent reports that Rockstar is working on more than just GTA 6, but it's unknown what these projects could be. While it's more likely that Max Payne remakes are in the works, a brand-new IP could be incredibly exciting. Also, Rockstar fans have been wanting to return to Bully for years, and a prison-based game inspired by the one-off gem might be a fun new take on its formula.
However, if Rockstar wanted such a project to be more action-focused, taking note of Uncharted 4's wonderful prison sequence would be a solid source of inspiration. Ultimately, it's unclear what's next for Rockstar, but GTA 6's prison scenes definitely show that such a game is an untapped well of potential.
One of the biggest prison-based games in recent years is Hazelight Studios' co-op title A Way Out.
The Wait for GTA 6 is Growing Shorter, But it Feels Longer Than Ever
- GTA 6 is scheduled to release on May 26, 2026.
While each passing day means that GTA 6 is closer than ever before, the time indeed feels like it's passing slowly, at least for me. Although it was delayed from its original 2025 target, the fact that it's less than a year away right now feels surreal. I may never get the prison-centric game of my dreams, but once GTA 6 launches, I can hopefully at least get a small taste.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- November 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
