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Published: 8th August 7:39PM
Ever since the monumental success of 2004’s Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, fans have been clamouring for Rockstar Games to take the series back to Vice City, the Miami-inspired setting from 2002’s GTA: Vice City. Nearly two decades later, rumours suggest our wish may finally be granted with GTA 6. But is GTA 6 really set in Vice City? Let’s analyze the evidence.
Overview of Vice City Rumors
Speculation about Vice City being the primary setting for the next numbered Grand Theft Auto has circulated for years now amongst leakers and industry insiders. But these rumours really caught fire in 2022.
Bloomberg reported that GTA 6 will feature a fictionalized Miami environment. Prolific leaker Tez2 claimed the next GTA will return to Vice City with an updated modern depiction.
Most intriguingly, alleged leaked footage from GTA 6 test builds clearly shows a neon-drenched city highly reminiscent of Vice City’s vibrant 80s ambience. The leaks seemingly confirm Vice City’s return.
Why Vice City Makes Sense
Beyond rumors, a Vice City setting adds up from Rockstar’s perspective for several reasons. For one, the developer has followed a pattern of revisiting and updating classic GTA locations in new games. After the Liberty City revival in GTA 4, the series moved onto modern Los Santos in GTA 5.
Vice City is the next logical choice to receive Rockstar’s contemporary open world treatment. The Miami inspiration remains relevant today, allowing for commentary on current culture.
Additionally, 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of GTA: Vice City’s release. What better occasion for Rockstar to announce a Vice City-set GTA 6 later this year?
Evidence in the GTA 6 Leaks
While unofficial, the extensive leaked GTA 6 footage provides perhaps the best look yet at the game’s setting. Bright blue skies, palm tree-lined streets, neon-lit buildings, and more match up perfectly with Vice City’s established aesthetic.
Other apparent Florida influences like highway overpasses and Art Deco architecture further suggest a Vice City return. Unless Rockstar wants to intentionally mislead fans, the leaks seemingly confirm Vice City in GTA 6.
Don’t Rule Out Multiple Cities
That said, Rockstar may not limit GTA 6 to only Vice City. With the technical leap to PS5 and Xbox Series X, recreating multiple cities in one game becomes more feasible.
GTA 6 could feature Vice City alongside new locations like a Havana or Cartagena-inspired city for greater diversity. But Vice City will likely be the highlight given its significance to fans.
Verdict: Vice City is Back
While Rockstar has yet to officially unveil GTA 6 details, the preponderance of leaks and rumours leave little doubt that Vice City will be the cornerstone setting.
Decades later, the vibrant, sun-soaked Florida city still captures players’ imaginations. For GTA to once again push boundaries, returning to a beloved locale like Vice City makes perfect sense. Barring any surprises, get ready to dive back into the glitz and glamour of Rockstar’s take on Miami when GTA 6 releases.
When Does GTA 6 Come Out?
Well, we’ve got an idea. Check out the article and see what you think for yourself.
About the author
I hope GTA 6 releases soon 🤌