Expectations are high for Grand Theft Auto 6, but Rockstar Games should prevent going overboard with its map size. The world will be set in a modern version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, which was on the smaller side in square footage compared to other games in the series. However, the developer shouldn't overcompensate for that fact by making GTA 6's map size excessively larger, as some gameplay issues could arise as a result.
There are several other missteps that Grand Theft Auto 5's sequel needs to avoid if it aims to be the best GTA game. For example, melee weapons and stealth systems need improvement, and having more in-depth gangs would add an extra element of strategy to the game. Plus, most players are desperately hoping for a revamp of phones (and specifically, the frequency of phone calls). But even should GTA 6 ignore these GTA 5 features, one of the most crucial elements that Grand Theft Auto 6 will have to nail is map design, as it could ultimately determine the success of the game upon release.
GTA 6's Map Should Focus On Density
GTA 6's map size shouldn't far exceed what was seen in GTA: Vice City, but it should instead focus on being more densely packed with quests and explorable buildings. Making a large map, but failing to insert the appropriate amount of content, is a common mistake that many open-world games make, and it ruins the immersion. Especially with the title now confirmed to be taking place in the present-day, the map will need to feel much more close-knit, bordering on crowded, to truly feel realistic. Rockstar Games should prioritize the level of detail in Grand Theft Auto 6, even if the map size ends up smaller than GTA 5's.
Too Much Space Could Cheapen GTA 6's Gameplay
GTA 6 could finally seize wasted opportunities from GTA: Vice City, one of which would be the lack of rural areas. Sometimes a massively urban setting can become overwhelming, and players should be able to take a breather by cruising around in a desert or a similar expanse of land. This would be a helpful feature for Grand Theft Auto 6, but only if the main city is chock-full of the aforementioned content. Unless the countryside also contains a healthy amount of explorable buildings and quests, it risks thinning out the core gameplay experience, and Rockstar Games could possibly use the meaningless square footage to justify an underdeveloped map.
GTA 6's map size, much like the rest of the game, is still up in the air. While the sequel doesn't yet have a concrete release date, it's slated to launch sometime in 2024, and fans should be receiving news and teasers fairly soon. But GTA 6 risks ruining Vice City if it bites off more than it can chew - so when a sneak peek of Grand Theft Auto 6's map comes in due time, it will hopefully display quality over quantity. Otherwise, it might foretell a grim future for the long-awaited crime simulator title.
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