The internet has amassed some speculations regarding the rumored Grand Theft Auto 6. And whiles updates pointing to the next GTA game usually prompt exciting, this one is positively disappointing, assuming it's true: it's being reported that the supposed next GTA won't be appearing on PS4 and Xbox One and that it will only appear on the next wave of consoles.
To put it bluntly, it appears you can only play GTA 6 if you purchase the PS5, Xbox Scarlett, and Google Stadia. But while Rockstar Games makes no official announcement on the subject, it's impossible to rule out a release on PS4 and Xbox One.
Parent company Take-Two Interactive could make this happen, especially if we look at it from a business point of view: GTA 5 still has a lot install base on the current generation of consoles. Industry experts believe that GTA 6 won't be launching soon, so why develop it for PS4 or Xbox One when next-gen specs have been confirmed to be coming much sooner?
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick was interviewed by CNBC, and he revealed that next titles would be able to harness next-gen specs. He didn't specifically mention GTA 6, but it's not a far-fetched idea that a game that massive would benefit from next-gen hardware and software in terms of gameplay and graphics.
"We have a new console generation coming, and that's going to allow us to do some things that we haven't been able to do before creatively, and that's exciting," Zelnick said. "But as I've said before, we are going to reach a point where you won't be able to tell the difference between what's created in the computer and what's real."
Zelnick also said that some of their games would be enhanced using ray tracing technology to make it look like they're "live action." This may include the NBA 2K series, which is hugely popular for the company.
That being said, it makes a lot of sense that Take-Two would make the next Grand Theft Auto, in a word, grander. In fact, it should be first in line when it comes to enhancements.
Of course, we're thinking long-term, and we see things from their perspective. It's likely though that their best games will get cutting-edge upgrades and will make their way on the next-generation consoles.
Of course, Rockstar Games should confirm things first. Until they reveal their plans for GTA 6, then this will all remain speculation.
