While commemorating a decade of GTA 5, the community clings to subtle hints for the next grand installment.
The 17th of September was not just any day in the calendar for Rockstar; it marked the 10th anniversary of their magnum opus, GTA 5. A title that not only became the second best-selling game of all time but also cemented GTA Online's status as a financial powerhouse, generating an unimaginable amount of money every year through microtransactions.
Ten years, a period sufficient for technology to evolve and generations of gamers to grow.
Given the significance, many expected Rockstar to commemorate this milestone with groundbreaking news or updates, possibly a tease for the highly anticipated GTA 6. Unfortunately, hopeful fans were left in a state of bittersweet nostalgia and disappointment. Rockstar chose to express their gratitude via a series of tweets, not an announcement. The studio acknowledged the overwhelming support from their player base.
https://twitter.com/RockstarGames/status/1703417823551262871
Their message read, "Today, on the official 10th Anniversary of Grand Theft Auto V, we would like to thank you, our players, for your incredible support over the years." A sentiment echoed across various platforms, underlining the ten-year-long relationship between Rockstar Games and its dedicated fan base.
However, for all the warmth and gratitude Rockstar expressed, most hoped for something grander. The vocal masses took to Twitter, Reddit, and other social platforms, airing their frustrations and expectations. Statements like, "When is GTA VI coming out?" and "Announce GTA VI" flooded the internet.
The lack of anything substantial during the 10th-anniversary celebration of GTA 5 appears to have broken the hearts of many who had rightfully set their expectations high.
https://twitter.com/GTAVI_Countdown/status/1703008959819329779
Yet, despite feeling heartbroken, many still haven't given up hope that Rockstar squeezed in a GTA 6 tease or two. In the past, Rockstar has enjoyed teasing its community with subtle hints and easter eggs. While admittedly reaching, some pointed out that the 10th-anniversary art shows a plane redirecting towards a sign that looks a lot like the Roman numeral for six.
As trivial as it might seem, such teasers have historically been Rockstar's way of keeping fans engaged and speculation alive, whether on purpose or not.
Regardless of the legitimacy of the theories regarding the most recent GTA 5 art, the rumors about the next GTA game aren't in short supply. The game's potential setting in the Miami-inspired Vice City, or the dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde, have kept the internet busy for the better part of the past year.
More recently, it's said that GTA 6 could be out as early as 2025 but Rockstar could push it back to 2026 for further polishing, depending on the state of development by next year.
The significance of GTA 5 to its community is impossible to overstate. The game's therapeutic and entertaining nature have gotten fans through hard times and brought joy. It's not going to die anytime soon, even if GTA 6 finally releases. In fact, the release of GTA 6 might only bring back memories of its predecessor.
It's amazing what happens when a company like Rockstar gets a chance to do what they want — a passion project that wasn't developed with making billions of dollars in mind.
