Rockstar Games knows how to keep the world waiting. It’s been over a decade since Grand Theft Auto V reshaped the open-world genre, and now, anticipation for GTA VI has reached fever pitch. While Rockstar remains characteristically tight-lipped, leaks, industry speculation, and strategic updates to GTA V have painted an intriguing picture of what could be the most ambitious game ever made.
A Sneak Peek at GTA VI’s Lighting Tech?
Rockstar’s recent GTA V update wasn’t just a routine polish job. The addition of Ray-Traced Global Illumination (RTGI), ambient occlusion, and support for AMD FSR and NVIDIA DLSS feels like more than just a visual upgrade—it’s likely a test run for GTA VI’s lighting engine.
Tech analysts at Digital Foundry seem to agree. Eurogamer’s Alex Battaglia even suggested, “Perhaps we are actually getting a preview of the lighting technology found in GTA 6.” If that’s the case, expect hyper-realistic lighting, deeper shadows, and environments that react dynamically to changing conditions—all setting a new standard for open-world visuals.
11 Years, $1 Billion, and a New RAGE
GTA VI’s development has been a staggering 11 years in the making, with reports suggesting a budget nearing $1 billion. That’s blockbuster movie money—and then some.
At the heart of this next-gen behemoth? An updated RAGE engine, designed to push graphical fidelity, physics, and AI interactions beyond anything we’ve seen in gaming.
Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has officially reaffirmed a late 2025 release window (September–December), but internal reports suggest that workplace culture and development crunch issues could impact the final timeline. Rockstar has reportedly been taking steps to reduce excessive overtime—something that’s plagued the company in the past.
Will GTA VI Cost $100?
Brace yourself: rumors are swirling that GTA VI’s standard edition could launch at $100—a sharp jump from the industry’s current $70 standard.
Take-Two has already tested the waters with NBA 2K’s $70 pricing, so a price hike for one of the biggest games in history wouldn’t be surprising. The real question is: Will gamers bite? If Rockstar successfully pulls this off, it could set a new industry standard—one that might not sit well with casual players.
Leaked Features: What Might Make the Cut?
GTA VI leaks have been both thrilling and chaotic. In 2022, early development footage surfaced online, revealing snippets of open-world activities like fishing. While this sent fans into overdrive, it’s important to remember that game development is fluid—some features will evolve, while others might never see the light of day.
Still, Rockstar’s track record suggests a world packed with unparalleled detail, dynamic NPC interactions, and a wealth of side activities to keep players busy for years.
When Will We See Gameplay?
If there’s one thing fans are desperate for, it’s actual gameplay footage. The first trailer—stunning as it was—was entirely composed of in-engine footage. That means no hands-on gameplay just yet.
Speculation is now laser-focused on Trailer #2, with fans dissecting Rockstar’s every move for clues. The gaming world is collectively holding its breath.
750GB File Size? Let’s Be Real
One of the wilder rumors floating around suggests GTA VI could demand a massive 750GB of storage. While that would be enough to cause most hard drives to break out in a cold sweat, industry experts aren’t buying it.
For context: Red Dead Redemption 2, one of the largest open-world games ever, capped out at 150GB. Given advancements in compression and next-gen SSD technology, GTA VI will be massive—but not that massive.
The Game That Will Define a Generation
There’s no doubt: GTA VI is the biggest gaming event in years. Beyond just another blockbuster release, this game is poised to reshape industry trends, pricing models, and what players expect from an open-world experience.
For now, all we can do is wait. But when Rockstar finally pulls back the curtain, one thing’s for sure—the gaming world will never be the same.
