Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most popular and financially successful video games in history so it’s no surprise that Rockstar first planned for the next GTA title – the sixth in the series – to be even more expansive than its predecessors.
According to Bloomberg, Grand Theft Auto VI will feature a Latina female protagonist who is part of a duo inspired by Bonnie and Clyde. This marks the first time a GTA title will have a female lead character. It has also been revealed – via the leaking of blurry map images – that the upcoming title will take place in a fictitious version of Miami and surrounding areas.
Here’s a clearer Vice City 2020 map leak HD image. pic.twitter.com/ktHcaxTDub
— GTA 6 NEWS & LEAKS (@NEWSLEAKSGTAS) July 31, 2022
While GTA VI promises to include more inside locations than previous games in the series, the initial design was much more ambitious. Rockstar Games originally planned for the game map to contain large sections of both North and South America. According to Stephen Totilo of Axios, Rockstar originally intended for GTA VI to have four protagonists, with the game spanning three major cities.
Little else is known about the upcoming title at this time. However, Rockstar has made it clear that it plans to be more compassionate and will no longer be punching down at marginalized groups for cheap laughs within its titles. This tracks with reports that the game developer has removed transphobic content from re-releases of GTA V.
Changes at Rockstar Games
Rockstar games has been working to clean up its image. The company has narrowed its gender wage gap considerably and is offering new mental health services to employees. The changes came after longtime complaints about employees having to work insane hours to keep projects on schedule. Additionally, the company has dismissed managers that employees reported as being difficult to work with or abusive.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
