TheGrand Theft Autoseries, developed by Rockstar Games, is perhaps one of the most influential and popular franchises in video games. Starting from humble beginnings with the firstGrand Theft Autogame, the franchise has popularized the open-world genre, told gripping crime stories, and pushed the limits of what content video games can cover. Despite the numerous controversies the series has sparked, it remains one of the most profitable entertainment products of all time. Although Rockstar has plans to release a remastered version ofGTA 5for current-gen consoles, most gamers are begging Rockstar to give themGTA 6instead.
It is easy to understand why gamers are far more interested in seeing a new entry in theGrand Theft Autoseries. AlthoughGTA 5is a phenomenal game, it was originally released in 2013 and has survived for three gaming generations. In comparison, the wait betweenGrand Theft Auto: Vice CityandGrand Theft Auto: San Andreaswas a mere two years. However, although it is reasonable to get excited about the potential masterpiece Rockstar may release next, it is worthwhile to consider just how muchGTA 6has going against it.
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Rockstar Games Has Changed
Rockstar has a track record that most other video game studios have never come close to. While being the creator of theGrand Theft Autoseries would be enough for most studios, Rockstar has far more achievements under its belt. The company has brought the world numerous iconic titles such asBully, as well as highly successful franchisessuch asMidnight Club,Manhunt, andRed Dead. However, the studio has not remained static, and a lot has changed since the release ofGTA 5.
Dan Houser is probably one of the most notable individuals associated with Rockstar Games. He, along with his brother Sam Houser, founded the company. Dan has played a pivotal role in the creative side of the business, and served as Rockstar’s vice president of creativity for many years. His writing credits span across several key titlesincludingBully,Red Dead Redemption,Max Payne, and, most importantly, theGrand Theft Autoseries. In many ways, the tone, wittiness, and biting satire of theGTAfranchise can be attributed to Dan.
In 2020, Dan left Rockstar and instead focused his efforts on his new company, Absurd Ventures LLC. Although reasons for his departure are unknown, his absence will certainly be felt. ShouldGTA 6ever be released, gamers could potentially find themselves playing a game with a decidedly different tone compared to previous titles. Whether this will be beneficial or detrimental to theGTAseries has yet to be seen, but it is difficult to imagine the core feeling ofGTAgames not being compromised by a new lead writer. After all, several other franchises such asSaint’s RowandTrue Crimehave tried to replicateGTA’s style and crass humor with little success.
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Rockstar’s Focus on Online Gaming May Affect GTA 6
GTA Onlineis one of the reasonsGTA 5has enjoyed such a long lifespan.WithGTA Online, gamers get to explore Los Santos together while engaging in criminal ventures, entrepreneurial enterprises, high-speed races, and several other activities. The game’s economy is kept active by Shark Cards that players can purchase to gain more in-game currency to spend on items that allow them to stand out from the crowd. WithGTA Online, players have a potentially endless game to play that is constantly updated with new items to purchase and missions to partake in.
While some gamers may findGTA Onlineto be a phenomenal game to sink hundreds of hours into, others claim that Rockstar’s focus on the game is the reason whyGTA 5received no singleplayer DLCasGTA 4did. This claim is not without merit, as Rockstar’s director of design has stated the following: “the online component had a lot of potential, but to come close to realizing that potential also sucked up a lot of resources.” Because of this, Rockstar did not feel that “singleplayer expansions were either possible or necessary.”
After seeing the incredible profitsGTA Onlinebrought in, it is highly unlikely that Rockstar will releaseGTA 6without an accompanying online component. If this is the case, it may spell bad news for the single-player aspect of the game, and gamers looking forward to Rockstar supporting the single-player game with content and DLC in the vein ofGTA 4’sThe Ballad of Gay TonyandThe Lost and Damnedmay be sorely disappointed.
Rockstar Is Not the Only Player in Town Anymore
For a long time, one of theappealing factors of theGrand Theft Autoseriesis how it provides open worlds with unparalleled size and detail. As previously stated, many past franchises have tried to replicate whatGTAbrings, but none have got it quite right. However, a lot has changed in the gaming world since 2013, and whileGTAmay have popularized the open-world genre, several other franchises have done a good job of perfecting it.
For gamers looking for an outdoor experience, they can turn to Guerrilla Games’Horizonseries which provides picturesque natural environments lush with green foliage, dense forests, desert plains, and awe-inspiring mountains. WithHorizon Forbidden West, players will also get to travel underwater and explore marine waterscapes.
For players looking to cause trouble in the city,there isCyberpunk 2077with its futuristic Night City where a new adventure is always around the corner. There is also Insomniac’sSpider-Manwhich lets players web-sling across New York as they look for crooks to bust. The options are too numerous to list out, and unless Rockstar Games can produce something unique and revolutionary,GTA 6may end up being just another open-world game that does nothing but fatigue gamers.
Rockstar has yet to confirm anything aboutGTA 6, including whether it is coming at all. Despite this, it remains one of the most anticipated games. With all the factors working against it, including mountain-high expectations,GTA 6will have to be a phenomenal game if it is to please gamers. However, ifRockstar manages to pull it off, it may very well have the game of the generation in its hands.
GTA 6is rumored to be in production.
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