What we know after the big Grand Theft Auto 6 preview

GTA 6, the highly anticipated installment from Rockstar, debuted with a 26-minute preview on Netflix, offering fans an exclusive and extended look at the game's visuals, gameplay, and storyline. The preview, released six hours before appearing on YouTube, showcased improved graphics, detailed environments, and various thrilling sequences from the game.

The game's story focuses on protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Camino, a couple reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde. Players can influence the relationship between the characters, although they have the option to forego developing their bond. The preview also highlighted the ability to seamlessly switch control between the two characters, a feature previously seen in GTA 5.

Rockstar's attention to detail was evident in the photorealistic character models and lifelike movements, as well as the intricate locations featured in the game, such as apartments, rooftop bars, and underground clubs. The game's fictional setting, Leonida, a Florida-inspired state, is home to the popular Vice City district, reminiscent of Miami from the 2002 game of the same name.

The game's diverse cast of characters features a wide range of body shapes and sizes, a trend increasingly common in video games. IGN's Ryan McCaffrey described GTA 6 as "the best-looking game I've ever seen," attributing its impressive visuals to Rockstar's extensive development time and substantial budget, believed to be the most expensive in video game history. The game's map is also reportedly twice the size of the playable area in GTA 5, though Rockstar has not officially confirmed this.

While GTA 6 is set to maintain its signature elements such as armed heists, car chases, and the series' trademark satire of US culture, it also expands upon features introduced in Red Dead Redemption 2, including an honor system that impacts the player's reputation among other characters. The game will be a single-player experience upon launch, with any potential online multiplayer modes to be revealed in future updates.

Despite the game's expected record-breaking launch, Rockstar's long-term success will depend on the reception of any new multiplayer features added to GTA 6. Following the success of GTA 5's GTA Online, which remains one of the most-played online games in the world, fans eagerly await further developments. GTA Online generated billions of dollars for Rockstar and has seen nearly 500 million views on YouTube for its official trailers.

The company is currently facing employment tribunal claims in Scotland, which it denies, stating the workers were fired for gross misconduct.