Spanning a huge range of gameplay in progress, the leaked footage gives us our first taste of GTA 6 in action – albeit in a completely raw state. Gunplay and other game modes are displayed, while character and setting details are indicated in the environment. Everything is very incomplete. Overlaid with debugging information and technical metrics, the footage clearly comes from an in-progress version of the game. But it’s genuine. Rockstar confirmed that the leaked footage is authentic and requested that many of the videos and screenshots shared on social media be removed. This leaves us to piece together exactly what has been confirmed.
(Image: Rockstar Games)
Vice City is back
Confirming a leak from earlier this year, the footage suggests that GTA 6 will take place in Vice City – Grand Theft Auto’s fictional version of Miami. The clips show numerous city signs and buildings bearing the words “Vice City” and “VCPD” written on the side of police cars (apparently short for Vice City Police Department). But GTA 6 seems to be set in a modern version of the city. While 2002’s Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was set in the mid-80s, the presence of smartphones and modern cars suggests that GTA 6 will bring the metropolis into the present day. Although it is not only the city that you will explore. Some rural areas are also featured, as well as what looks like a swamp. Some familiar locations will also return, such as the Malibu Club and the Ocean View Hotel.
Combination of two characters
The footage shows that GTA 6 will feature two protagonists, as well as the series’ first female main character. This lines up with a previous leak, which hinted at the game’s dual leads and suggested that Rockstar was approaching the characters with more political sensitivity than in other games. The video shows a Latina named Lucia, according to the bug tracking information, and her accomplice Jason. They’ve previously been described as a Bonnie and Clyde type couple, and this video definitely leans into that. In a leaked video, the criminal duo can be seen robbing a restaurant, holding up the till and escaping as the police arrive. Bonnie and Clyde are even mentioned by name in one of the debug menus.
(Image: Rockstar Games)
Racing debate
Gunplay is similar to that of GTA 5, with some new gameplay and features. The player is shown wielding various weapons – such as a rifle, sniper, shotgun, pistol and rocket launcher – along with improvised weapons – such as a golf club, baseball bat and crowbar. At one point, they throw their active weapon into their other hand and pick up a rifle from the floor to add to their inventory – both of which are new features. Looks like you’ll have some new moves to play with as well. A leaked video showed the player leaning his entire torso out the car window while aiming a rifle in a full 360-degree circle. Elsewhere, the player goes prone, crouches with cover, and carries an NPC on his shoulder. This could allow for sneakier, more stealth-focused firefights. A new radial weapon selection screen can also be spotted. It appears to show a health kit or potion of some kind, suggesting that players will be able to heal or tire mid-match.
Whole Easter eggs
Even this leaked video shows a few throwbacks and easter eggs fans will recognize from the wider GTA universe. Expect many of the game’s global businesses to return, with LTD Gasoline already making an appearance. Also featured is LifeInvader – the tongue-in-cheek GTA social media platform and subtle Facebook parody.
(Image: Rockstar)
Five stars or bust
As expected, GTA 6 will include the base Wanted levels of the series. The video shows a five-star system like that of GTA 5, confirming that GTA 6 will not return to the six-star system that previous entries in the series had. But the police made an upgrade. If the police see you getting into a stolen vehicle, they will look for you, even after you have made your initial escape. It’s true – cars have license plates, after all – and it suggests that you’ll have to put more thought into avoiding the law.
Character customization
While the leaks didn’t fully show GTA 6’s character customization capabilities, at least we got confirmation of their existence. Lucia, the game’s main female character, is shown wearing different outfits and hairstyles, confirming that your threads and hair can be customized. It will be interesting to see the depth of GTA 6’s character customization options since Saints Row leaned heavily on the mode earlier this year with its granular boss factory.
