Grand Theft Auto 6 is set for release next fall, and the anticipation has been mounting. Rockstar's long-running crime franchise has become one of the biggest names in gaming, and GTA 6 is already in line to be the biggest release of 2025. As excitement continues to grow for the game, many are wondering how it will stack up against its predecessor.

Despite being 11 years old, GTA 5 is still praised as a great open world action game. From the story to the three protagonists, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, GTA 5 brought explosive action to the forefront. The GTA franchise is known for being a cinematic experience, and GTA 5 definitely did not hold back. Larger-than-life crimes were rampant throughout the game's story, and although it made GTA 5 a jaw-dropping experience, GTA 6 may better benefit from taking a step back from the theatrics.

gta 6 ps5 pro performance
GTA 6 Fans Get Bad News About PS5 Pro

A new report is bad news for Grand Theft Auto fans planning on buying a PS5 Pro to play GTA 6 next year.

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GTA 6 Focusing On a More Grounded Crime Story

Bringing the Harsh Reality of a Life of Crime Into Focus

All that is known about GTA 6 comes from its short announcement trailer. Other than that, pretty much everything else is speculation. However, the trailer at least gives some potential insight into what the game's story will be about, and it hints at a more grounded look at crime. GTA 5 boasted exploding helicopters and high-speed chases to recover stolen yachts. This was an over-the-top story that reflected the LA-inspired city of Los Santos. When it comes to GTA 6, though, it seems like protagonists Lucia and Jason may be leading a more realistic tale.

Inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, Lucia and Jason are shown throughout the trailer committing a series of robberies, with the former seemingly taking charge. Shots of the presumed couple driving past cops in a getaway car while Lucia handles a wad of cash suggest that their story in Vice City starts at the bottom. Furthermore, a shot of the duo robbing what appears to be a liquor store adds more weight to this possibility. Although some may be hoping that GTA 6 features even more chaos and mayhem, it doesn't look like that is the case, and it's refreshing.

Recent rumors that GTA 6 is being pushed back to 2026 have been debunked by Rockstar employees.

GTA 6 is already subverting expectations and evolving. Not only is the game featuring its first female protagonist in Lucia, but the Bonnie and Clyde angle is rife with narrative possibilities. There are plenty of theories about GTA 6's main characters, but a focus on petty crimes, at least at the beginning, seems to be a major fixture in the game. A more realistic look into what a life of crime can really be would be an exciting turn from its predecessor. The gritty and needless violence that follows small-time heists and getaways is a compelling angle to explore.

GTA 6 Beginning a New Era For Rockstar's Franchise

Based on the trailer alone, it is clear that GTA 6 has improved since the days of GTA 5. Rockstar's last release, Red Dead Redemption 2, was a huge departure from GTA 5, as the former opted for a far more grounded and emotional story. GTA 6 could be taking inspiration from both Rockstar hits. The trailer shows that Lucia and Jason revel in Vice City's nightlife at some point in their journey. GTA 6 could give its protagonists a humble beginning of petty thievery inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2, while their rise to prominence in the city can mirror GTA 5.

If GTA 6 steps away from the Hollywood-style explosive nature of GTA 5, that will ultimately be okay. The game needs to set itself apart from its predecessor, especially with such high hopes surrounding it. Although there isn't anything set in stone for GTA 6 and its release, it seems like a given that Rockstar is taking a fresh approach.

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Grand Theft Auto 6
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Action
Adventure
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Systems
PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Released
November 19, 2026
ESRB
Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+
Developer(s)
Rockstar Games
Publisher(s)
Rockstar Games
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

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.

Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.

Engine
Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE)
Franchise
Grand Theft Auto
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure