Grand Theft Auto 5 is Rockstar at its weakest, but following the fantastic Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 6 could put the criminal series back on track.
Since 1997, Rockstar has used Grand Theft Auto as a platform to elaborate on their brand of parody. A nihilistic rogue’s gallery of dishonest police officers and dubious politicians makes up the original Grand Theft Auto ensemble. The game was co-developed by ‘The Hand of Satan,’ according to the poster that comes in the box, which is the first of many middle fingers that Rockstar has politely raised. Niko Bellic, the main character in Grand Theft Auto 4, however, makes Rockstar more humanist and empathetic.
Because we experience it through Niko’s eyes, who has an own code of ethics and virtues despite being somewhat twisted and traumatised, Rockstar’s parody of American and western culture is more vivid and acutely felt. It’s not a game about how awful everyone and everything is. The negative aspects of GTA 4 are suffocating and compressing the positive aspects of the game. What a gripping tale. That seems more sincere and well-recognized.
There are two major issues with Grand Theft Auto 5 (I’m only referring about the single-player narrative aspects here). It’s the script first. Michael, Franklin, and Trevor scream and yell at each other for about forty hours. When they first meet, they do it. They do that on every mission. They do that as the game comes to a close. Rockstar wastes Steven Ogg’s performance, which is among the most energetic in recent gaming history, by having him (along with Ned Luke and Shawn Fonteno) reenact the same sequence twenty times.
They do that as the game comes to a close.Rockstar wastes Steven Ogg’s performance, which is among the most energetic in recent gaming history, by having him (along with Ned Luke and Shawn Fonteno) reenact the same sequence twenty times.
More broadly, I’d like to think that the Rockstar of 2025 is more the Red Dead Redemption 2 Rockstar than the GTA 5 Rockstar.
This was further complicated by the fact that both Grand Theft Auto 4 and the original Red Dead seemed to herald the rise of what I would subjectively refer to as a “better” Rockstar, which led to GTA 5. It’s possible that Rockstar has turned Grand Theft Auto into a place where it may debase itself. I hope not, though.
🔥 Best Points About GTA 6
- Return to Vice City
GTA 6 brings back the iconic Vice City, reimagined with modern graphics, giving nostalgic fans something to be excited about. - Massive, Evolving Open World
The map is rumored to be the biggest in GTA history, with evolving environments and possibly new areas added post-launch (live service style). - Improved AI & NPC Behavior
NPCs are reportedly smarter and more lifelike—reacting realistically to situations, making the game world feel more immersive. - More Interactivity & Real-Life Mechanics
From realistic police responses to detailed in-game activities (like car maintenance, hacking, or social media), GTA 6 may push realism further. - Darker, More Emotional Storytelling
Early reports and leaks suggest a more mature and emotional storyline, potentially inspired by real-world crime stories. - Social Commentary & Satire Remains Strong
Rockstar is known for sharp satire, and GTA 6 will likely continue mocking modern culture, politics, and social trends. - Long-Term Support & Updates
Rockstar may shift toward a more dynamic game world with regular content updates..