Rockstar Games, the renowned video game publisher, has confirmed the release of a trailer for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) in early December 2023. This announcement coincides with the company's 25th anniversary celebrations. The game's development was initially confirmed in 2022, and it has been the subject of much speculation since then.
The upcoming installment is set to break new ground for the series, featuring its first female protagonist. The character is reportedly of Latina descent, marking a significant shift in the franchise's traditionally male-centric narrative. The game's setting will be a modernized, fictionalized version of Miami, known to fans of the series as Vice City.
The previous installment, Grand Theft Auto Five, and its online multiplayer counterpart, GTA Online, have been immensely successful, generating over $7.7bn for parent company Take-Two. This success has led to projections of an $8bn windfall in 2024, fueling speculation that GTA 6 will be released by the end of next year.
The development of GTA 6 has not been without its challenges. Changes in Rockstar's work culture, including a focus on avoiding excessive overtime, have reportedly affected the game's development timeline. Additionally, last year, hackers leaked work-in-progress gameplay videos of GTA 6, revealing early footage of the female playable character.
The game is expected to start with Vice City, with new cities being added over time, providing players with an evolving gameplay experience. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the trailer's release in December, it is clear that GTA 6 is poised to usher in a new era for the iconic franchise.