Is there any game more eagerly awaited than Grand Theft Auto 6?
Probably not.
Since GTA 5 came out in 2013, selling like crazy, fans have been eagerly waiting for the next installment.
But after 12 long years, GTA 6 is still not here.
In 2023, Rockstar dropped the first trailer, which was amazing, but it also sparked some concerns.
A New Protagonist
Fans started wondering if GTA 6 was going woke after seeing the new characters in the trailer.
The big change?
The game will feature a female protagonist for the first time, along with a male lead.
While this dual-protagonist setup is exciting, some fans are skeptical.
It’s important to note that having a female lead shouldn’t be a reason for criticism.
Rockstar is known for creating strong characters and great stories. From Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 to Trevor, Michael, and Franklin in GTA 5, their characters always resonate with players.
Back in 2011 or 2012, Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser mentioned that if the story called for a female lead, they would do it.
Reports suggest that before leaving Rockstar in 2020, Houser had a Bonnie-and-Clyde-inspired story in mind for GTA 6, which supports the idea of a female protagonist.
Key Creatives Leaving
Another major concern is the departure of key creatives.
Dan Houser left Rockstar in 2020, and in 2023, Michael Unsworth, a writer for GTA 4, GTA 5, and Red Dead Redemption 2, also left.
Their exits have left fans wondering about the future direction of Rockstar.
When key people leave, it often spells trouble for future projects.
The worry isn’t just about a female lead but about the overall quality of the game with these important figures no longer involved.
Changes in Beloved Franchises
Fans fear that beloved franchises are losing their edge, replacing strong storytelling with weak plots and characters.
This isn’t just in gaming but also in movies and TV shows.
For instance, The Last of Us Part II faced backlash, and fans are already worried about the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima sequel.
Is Rockstar Changing?
One clear sign of change at Rockstar is the content edits in GTA V: Expanded & Enhanced.
The updated version removed certain caricatured NPCs and jokes deemed offensive to the LGBTQ+ community.
While some saw this as modernizing the game, others felt it was self-censorship.
Rockstar has always been known for its fearless satire, mocking all aspects of American culture.
These changes raise questions about whether Rockstar is moving away from its bold approach.
Internal Changes
Another sign is the widespread adoption of courses like Unconscious Bias and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging among Rockstar employees.
While these courses aim to promote fairness, critics argue they can create division.
These certifications coincided with the departure of key creatives, raising concerns about Rockstar’s new direction.
The Future of GTA 6
Despite these worries, there’s still hope.
Rupert Humphries, who co-wrote Red Dead Redemption 2, is reportedly still involved in GTA 6’s development.
This suggests that some of Rockstar’s original vision and talent remain.
In the end, only the release of GTA 6 will show whether these fears are justified.
Fans hope the game will live up to its legacy.
What do you think?
Is GTA 6 going woke, or will it surprise us all when it finally releases?
