Rockstar released its first GTA VI gameplay footage exclusively on Netflix

The anticipation surrounding the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has been immense, with a decade having passed since the last installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, was launched in 2013. After several delays, Rockstar Games is finally preparing to unveil the successor to its renowned series. The gameplay reveal, first showcased on Netflix on Thursday, hints that the wait might be worth it.

The first impression of GTA 6 is that of a vast scale. Grand Theft Auto has always symbolized the adventure of disappearing into another world for hours, and GTA 6 seems poised to surpass that notion. The fictional state of Leonida, the game's setting, is based on Florida, with Vice City continuing as the exaggerated representation of Miami.

The city features a diverse range of environments, from beaches to highways, nightclubs, swamps, and densely populated urban areas. The variety is remarkable, with players transitioning from armed robberies and police pursuits to nightlife, parties, and the mundane distractions that have always made GTA worlds enjoyable outside the main storylines.

The footage reveals that GTA 6's world is densely populated, with interiors more elaborate and streets busier than in previous games. Background elements have received attention typically reserved for major locations. Rockstar has traditionally rewarded players for wandering away from their objectives, and Leonida appears designed around the idea that virtually every corner offers something worth exploring.

The two playable leads in GTA 6, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, are expected to provide the story with a strong contrast. Jason is more reserved, having served as a soldier and later working with drug runners in the Keys. Lucia, on the other hand, has spent time in Leonida Penitentiary and appears more energetic, impulsive, and prone to getting into trouble.

This difference is evident in the gameplay footage, with Jason feeling stoic and controlled, while Lucia is more aggressive and willing to take risks. Their relationship is central to Rockstar's description of the story, which begins when a seemingly straightforward job goes wrong, causing them to become entangled in a larger criminal conspiracy.

The question remains about the story's length. While GTA 5 took about 31.5 hours to finish when focusing on its main objectives, GTA 4 and San Andreas both took approximately 27.5 hours. There has been no indication yet of GTA 6's campaign length, but given the apparent size of Leonida, it would be surprising if Rockstar hadn't built such an extensive environment without providing substantial reasons for players to explore it.

However, one should approach with caution. Given the lengthy development cycle, it is unrealistic for a game to satisfy every demand placed upon it. Expectations for GTA 6 have grown due to the extended wait, ranging from redefining open worlds to raising the bar for graphics, storytelling, and interactivity. This increased scrutiny has already presented challenges for Rockstar.

Unofficial gameplay videos featuring Jason and Lucia began appearing online, leading Rockstar to describe the leaks as "heartbreaking" and apologize for the wait. The developer confirmed that the game was nearing completion and would be released on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

One significant issue remains: how players will actually own GTA 6. Rockstar is offering a physical edition, but there will be no disc inside the box. Instead, buyers will receive a download code for the digital version. While a physical copy typically allows players to preserve, lend, sell, or return the game years later without relying on digital infrastructure, a code in a plastic box falls short in this regard.

This absence of a disc feels like a step backward in consumer ownership, despite the extraordinary technology showcased in the gameplay reveal. Despite these frustrations, the extraordinary scale and distinct characters of Leonida, along with the density of the world, make GTA 6 difficult to dismiss. After years of speculation, leaks, and delays, the game now appears closer to reality than ever before. Players will soon find out if it can live up to the expectations generated by all the anticipation.