Article Key Points
A former Rockstar dev suggests that Grand Theft Auto 6 should have a smaller and more focused map for improved navigation and memorable gameplay.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is the subject of much speculation, with rumors suggesting that the game may feature two playable protagonists, including a female character, and revisit the iconic setting of Vice City. Despite various leaks and rumors, Rockstar Games has not made any official announcements about the highly-anticipated game, leaving fans eager for a more official glimpse in the future.
Many fans are hoping for Grand Theft Auto 6 to surpass its already legendary predecessors in size, but a former Rockstar developer suggests that the next game's map should be more compact. Grand Theft Auto is one of the largest gaming franchises, and players have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of Grand Theft Auto 6 for nearly a decade. Although Rockstar has not made any official announcements, there have been numerous leaks and rumors, including a major data breach last September that exposed early footage of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Since then, there has been much speculation about the plot and setting of Grand Theft Auto 6. Unverified reports indicate that the game may feature two playable protagonists inspired by the real-life criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde, with one of them being the first female player character in the Grand Theft Auto series. Additionally, there is speculation that GTA 6 may bring players back to Vice City, the fictional Florida metropolis that provided the backdrop for the beloved spin-off games Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.
Large, urban open-world landscapes have always been a defining feature of the GTA series, stretching back to the days of the PlayStation 2. Fans eagerly anticipate that Grand Theft Auto 6 will offer an even more expansive sandbox for criminal activities. However, Tony Gowland, a former developer at Rockstar Games, offers a contrasting perspective. In an interview with PCGamesN, he expressed his desire for a slightly smaller yet more concentrated game map for Grand Theft Auto 6. Gowland explains, "I believe that opting for a smaller, but densely packed location could evoke the same memorable navigation experiences that I cherished from the original Grand Theft Auto games."
Tony Gowland, currently working at Dungeon Golf studio Ant Workshop, gained recognition during his tenure at Rockstar where he played a significant role in the development of popular titles such as Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories, Chinatown Wars, and the first Red Dead Redemption. While eagerly anticipating a return to the Miami-inspired Vice City in Grand Theft Auto 6, he expresses disappointment that fans were initially exposed to the game through an infamous data leak last year.
Rockstar is unlikely to release any official information about Grand Theft Auto 6 in the near future, despite recent claims suggesting a potential launch in 2025. With sky-high expectations for the next installment in the iconic and sometimes controversial Grand Theft Auto series, Tony Gowland, a former Rockstar employee, believes that a smaller and more intimate game map could be the right direction if the game revisits Vice City.
Grand Theft Auto 6
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of the Grand Theft Auto series, I have mixed feelings about the suggestion of a compact map in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6. On the one hand, I understand the desire for a more focused and immersive gameplay experience. A smaller map could allow for more detailed and intricate environments, with less empty space to traverse. This could lead to a more engaging and memorable experience, as players are constantly discovering new and interesting things to do.
On the other hand, I also appreciate the sense of scale and freedom that the large maps of previous Grand Theft Auto games have offered. Exploring a vast and varied landscape is a big part of the appeal of the series, and I would be disappointed if Grand Theft Auto 6 sacrificed this in favor of a more compact design. Ultimately, I believe the decision of whether or not to use a compact map in Grand Theft Auto 6 is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. I trust that Rockstar Games will make the best decision for the game, and I am excited to see what they have in store for us.
