Even the creators of the original Grand Theft Auto have not been able to play GTA 6, according to interviews conducted by BBC News.
The next entry in the nearly three-decade-long series — expected to be one of the largest video game releases ever — is set for launch soon after a long development period that includes multiple delays, high-profile leaks, and significant public anticipation.
Origins of the Series
In 1997, DMA Design, then based in Dundee, Scotland, released the first Grand Theft Auto. The studio had previously developed the puzzle game Lemmings, but its focus shifted toward creating something novel. As Dave Jones, co-creator of the original game, recalls: "At DMA, we always wanted to do something different."
The core idea was simple yet revolutionary — allowing players not only to drive vehicles but also to walk around and steal cars on foot. This blend of driving and physical movement created a new form of gameplay that would become foundational for future entries.
The original version featured a top-down 2D view with arcade-style graphics. It set the stage for what would evolve into an open-world series defined by satire, criminality, and cultural commentary.
Evolution Through Titles
GTA 2, released in 1999, introduced rival crime syndicates. GTA 3 (2001) brought a full 3D world — Liberty City — where players followed protagonist Claude through missions. The game was praised for its immersive environment.
GTA Vice City (2002) captured the atmosphere of 1980s Miami via Tommy Vercetti’s rise to power. In 2004, GTA San Andreas placed player Carl 'CJ' Johnson in a California-inspired city called Los Santos during the 1990s.
The 2008 release of GTA IV reimagined Liberty City as a gritty urban setting with Eastern European veteran Niko Bellic at its center. The 2013 launch of GTA V, set in modern-day Los Santos and featuring three playable protagonists, became an instant cultural phenomenon — generating over $1 billion in revenue within just three days of release.
A Cultural Phenomenon
GTA has become more than a video game; it is referenced widely outside gaming culture. As Guardian video games editor Keza MacDonald notes: "It's deeply satirical — targeting hyper-individualism and capitalism."
The original game used fake radio stations, fictional brands, and humorous lyrics to build a believable world. According to Brian Baglow, the co-creator who worked on early marketing for GTA, these details remain one of its most enduring strengths: "Every part of that — business names, DJs, music — makes you believe this environment exists as a cohesive whole."
GTA 6: What’s New?
Rockstar Games has confirmed that GTA 6 will feature two new protagonists — Jason and Lucia — marking the first playable female character in any title within the series' 3D games.
The game is expected to take place in a fictional state named Leonida. This region will be double the size of Los Santos from GTA V, offering an expansive open world for players to explore.
According to Dave Jones, Rockstar originally envisioned a game where players could switch between criminal and police roles. However, after considering gameplay implications, they concluded: "It's way more fun playing the bad guy." The decision reinforced the franchise’s identity as one centered on rebellion and law-breaking rather than order or compliance.
Critical Reception and Controversy
The original GTA sparked controversy when it was released — leading to debates in UK Parliament and calls for bans. However, investigations later revealed that much of this backlash originated from BMG Interactive, which used the game as part of a viral marketing campaign.
As Jones puts it: "We just did things we felt were fun. We never thought about whether they would be controversial."
No official statement has been made by Rockstar Games confirming gameplay mechanics, storylines, or release dates beyond what is publicly available through media reports. All information presented here comes directly from interviews with developers and published accounts on BBC News.