New details for GTA 6: 80-hour story, larger map, and advanced police AI

In an interview with Rob Nelson from Rockstar North, GTA 6's character relationships, police AI, Leonida map, and technical goals were highlighted.

12punto 28 August 2026

New details have been shared for GTA 6, one of the most anticipated titles in the gaming world. In an interview with Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson, notable information was provided regarding the game's open-world design, character system, police AI, crime mechanics, and technical goals.

According to the shared information, Grand Theft Auto 6 is being designed with a broader simulation approach compared to previous games in the series. It is stated that the main story of the game will last approximately 80 hours, and the Leonida map will be twice as large as GTA 5 and approximately three times larger than Red Dead Redemption 2.

It is stated that the Leonida map in GTA 6 will be much larger than previous games in the series.

JASON AND LUCIA AT THE CENTER

The character-switching system introduced to the series with GTA 5 is being moved to a more story-focused structure in the new game through the duo of Jason and Lucia. It is stated that while players can switch between the two characters in the open world, this ability may be temporarily disabled during certain critical narrative moments.

The new system will be used not only in missions but also in open-world interactions. Players will be able to call the other character on the phone, send messages, or invite them to spend time together. Examples include handing over the steering wheel to the other character during long journeys or focusing on shooting from the passenger seat during chases.

It is reported that interactions between Jason and Lucia will play an important role in the game's narrative structure.

The relationship between Jason and Lucia will also be shaped according to the player's choices. Exploring Leonida together, shopping, going to the hairdresser, or spending time at the gym can strengthen the relationship level. Conversely, neglecting one of the characters or not responding to messages can create tension.

A more flexible design is also targeted for the mission structure. It is stated that small choices can have long-term consequences, and major decisions can directly affect the flow of the scenario. Reducing the boundary between main missions and open-world activities aims to make the time the player spends in the world a part of the story.

It is stated that the division of labor between the two characters will come to the fore in driving and combat dynamics in the new game.

OPEN WORLD AND POLICE SYSTEM ARE CHANGING

It is reported that the state of Leonida is designed not just as a large map, but as a living world with different regions, cultural fabric, architectural diversity, and human profiles. It is stated that side activities such as billiards, mini-golf, scuba diving, canoeing, skydiving, and a zoo will be included in the game.

Side activities like canoeing are shown as parts of Leonida's living open-world structure.

A more detailed structure is also mentioned on the AI side. It is stated that NPCs with different body types will move with animations customized according to their physical characteristics; players will be able to establish direct interactions with pedestrians such as greeting, provoking, calming, or mocking.

The police system is becoming more detailed than the series' classic approach. In the new crime mechanics, for the police to intervene, the incident must be seen by a witness, reported, or an alarm must be triggered. When teams arrive at the scene, they will start a search at the crime scene instead of automatically knowing the player's location.

While the wanted level returns to 6 stars, it is stated that police can track the character's appearance and clothing separately. Changing hairstyles might make tracking difficult; however, walking around in the same clothes will maintain the risk of being recognized. Therefore, carrying spare clothes in the vehicle trunk will turn into a practical escape strategy.

Vehicles will play an important role in open-world events as well as robbery and escape plans.

The "Criminal Profile" system, which measures the player's behavior in free roam, is also one of the notable innovations. Unnecessary violence, damage to the environment, and the level of chaos will affect this profile; however, mandatory crimes committed for the sake of the scenario will not negatively reflect on the profile.

More options will also be offered in economy and robbery mechanics. Opening a safe quickly with explosives will shorten the police arrival time but may damage the loot; finding the password and opening the safe without damage may provide higher earnings while increasing the risk of being caught. In vehicle theft, different methods will be required between older models and modern luxury vehicles.

Side activities and character development are among the elements that diversify the open-world experience.

According to the information shared on the technical side, the footage shown was taken on PlayStation 5, and 30 FPS is targeted on standard hardware. It is also among the details conveyed that the game is designed entirely from a third-person perspective and that there will be no first-person mode.