Rockstar Games recently dismissed 34 employees following high-profile GTA VI leaks, an event that inadvertently provided the fan community with a wealth of new insights. Fresh details have emerged regarding the game’s expansive world, core mechanics, and narrative arcs, highlighting a reimagined Vice City, maritime exploration, and sophisticated combat systems.
Rockstar Games has officially confirmed the termination of several staff members linked to the unauthorized disclosure of GTA VI materials. Late last year, 34 individuals—31 in the UK and 3 in Canada—lost their positions after sensitive information surfaced on Discord. While the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has demanded their reinstatement, alleging the dismissals were a retaliation for unionization efforts, Rockstar maintains the move was strictly a response to the data breaches. This controversy sparked protests outside Rockstar North’s Edinburgh headquarters and Take-Two Interactive’s London offices.
By cross-referencing these leaks with recent industry rumors, the gaming community has concluded that much of the circulated data likely originated from these former employees. Consequently, a comprehensive list of specific features and gameplay details for GTA VI has begun to take shape.
According to the leaks, the game will feature over 700 interactive storefronts, expansive shopping centers, and skyscrapers equipped with functional elevators. The campaign is reportedly divided into five distinct chapters, and the iconic six-star wanted level is set to return. Character development will also include physical changes like weight gain or loss, alongside a dynamic relationship meter between the dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia. The user interface sees a shift as well, featuring a rectangular mini-map with pink navigational markers.
Gameplay is leaning toward a more grounded, tactical experience; players can only carry a limited number of weapons, while the remainder must be stored in a vehicle’s trunk. Combat will be significantly more visceral, featuring dismemberment physics similar to those seen in Red Dead Redemption 2. Jason will possess a specialized ability to slow time and highlight enemy vulnerabilities, while Lucia will have a similar, though less powerful, tactical skill. Notably, the upcoming second trailer is expected to focus solely on the first three chapters, as the final portions of the story are still undergoing refinement.
New mechanics include deep-sea treasure hunting, an expanded NPC interaction system (allowing players to “greet” or “antagonize”), and more realistic AI reactions to drawn weapons. Players can also expect overhauled vehicle handling, unique missions like crossbow-based shark hunting, and narrative threads involving Lucia infiltrating a bodybuilding syndicate and navigating corruption within the police force.
Vice City will serve as the game’s largest urban center. Plot details reveal that Jason has a close associate named Donnie, while Lucia begins the game with a child, though this character reportedly has no direct impact on the primary storyline. Her initial ankle monitor is a temporary narrative device that will eventually be removed, having no permanent effect on movement. The world will also feature a wider variety of entertainment venues, and players will be able to switch between Jason and Lucia seamlessly during cooperative activities.
Source: iXBT.games