One day, the world will get to see Grand Theft Auto VI.
Given the phenomenal success of Grand Theft Auto Online, there has been little desire to update the current franchise beyond adding content, and Rockstar has refused to fold their hand as they feel it is a winner. Sadly, much of the game is now looking and feeling a little creaky.
The Perico Heist update required the use of a sneak mechanic that doesn’t work, and many of the newer features just feel a little too tired in the current climate. Rockstar is making a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 game fit the current generation of consoles, and fans will only accept that for so long.
When Grand Theft Auto VI does land, it is likely to be the biggest game of the century, with the online version sure to dwarf any single player mode they include. The adventures of Trevor, Michael and Franklin were fun, but since then, gaming has changed; it has moved away from the single-player experience and towards a more inclusive experience.
With that in mind, what can we expect from Grand Theft Auto VI that we could never have foreseen when Grand Theft Auto V dropped back in 2013?
Evolving Map
Video games have changed since GTA V was released in a major way. The episodic, free-to-play model is commonplace, seen in titles such as Fortnite. Other big titles, such a Fallout 76, turned to a season-style model. Fallout has evolved from a turn-based RPG to an episodic RPG with a first-person shooter feel, so big titles are subject to major shifts. Even Ubisoft has tentatively suggested Assassin’s Creed is heading the same way, meaning any big blockbuster release will have to consider doing the same. Rockstar has been tentatively doing it with GTA Online for a while now, but it seems likely they’ll stick to what they know for the new game.
Last GTA Game
Surely, after a wait that seems to be heading towards the 10-year mark, this couldn’t be the last GTA game, could it? Is Rockstar really about to go all-in on GTA, whatever the outcome? They just might be, given the changing trend in the industry. If they do turn to an episodic release, then they’ll also be likely to future-proof the title to ensure when new technology comes along, they can easily upscale. That might mean no more releases, maybe even a new title, simply Grand Theft Auto Forever, or something. It wouldn’t necessarily mean it was the last gaming experience for fans, but it could be the last physical release and separate title.
Diamond Resort and Casino
In terms of actual content, there will surely be scope for a return to the Diamond Resort and Casino in some guise. That has become one of the most popular GTA V updates and is still a location packed with players, despite being two years old. It’s popular because it allows players to quickly build their in-game currency with all your usual casino games. They’re not too complicated either; the poker variant used is the simple three-card format, so knowing your poker hand rankings is all you need, whilst roulette and blackjack are also straightforward to learn. Without the need for an in-depth casino experience, Rockstar delivered an engrossing simulation with real in-game benefits, which is surely the way forward for GTA VI. The in-game speculation may even offer bitcoin or cryptocurrency to reward players who are prepared to spend time at a poker table waiting for the killer hand. Each episode of the game could feature a revamped casino with new slots and games to try.
Interactive Sports Stadiums
Finally, could we see a sports stadium enter GTA VI? The minigames were certainly a lot of fun, and even after eight years, some areas of the GTA V map don’t get used. There’s a soccer stadium that has never seen a game and a horse racing track that never hears the pounding of hooves. Given the suggested episodic nature of GTA VI, could these stadiums host minigames, simply to play versions of baseball, basketball and the like to add further depth to a title already brimming with opportunities?
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