GTA 6's map reintroduces Vice City, while previous titles were set in other parts of the US, such as Liberty City. In an interview, a Rockstar co-head discussed whether GTA 7 would venture into new countries. Rockstar believes that what players have seen so far is only a small fraction of America's diverse landscape.
Although GTA 6's massive map includes multiple regions of Leonida, players are already familiar with Vice City. Vice City is a satirical version of Florida and serves as the setting for another Rockstar Games title based in the United States. Recent signs suggest that GTA 7 might release sooner than expected. In an interview with The Guardian, studio co-head Rob Nelson discussed the possibility of the game adopting an international setting.
This city, inspired by Miami, appeared in two previous GTA games, most notably in 2002's GTA: Vice City. However, the massive scale of GTA 6's map also brings countless previously overlooked areas to light. Rob Nelson of Rockstar North explained the efforts the team made to recreate these locations.
Research included "partying at Miami nightclubs until 4 AM," then heading to the racetrack a few hours later while still drunk. The developers also rode along with police officers and visited uniquely styled bars in the Florida Keys. Despite this, The Guardian wondered whether switching to a different country would bring refreshing challenges.
When asked if GTA 7 or future titles would leave the US, Nelson replied: "Anything is possible, but there is still plenty to do in America."
Rockstar North, headquartered in Scotland, may be even more enthusiastic about American settings than players in the US itself. Even so, given that GTA 6's map showcases another side of America, Nelson believes: "I think we are all outsiders when it comes to this version of America."
The South American Dream
When GTA 6 officially launches on November 19, players will be able to freely explore the continent of Leonida, an open world much larger than those in GTA V or Red Dead Redemption 2. However, a leaked document from 2018 stated that the new title was initially inspired by parts of South America. Rockstar Games confirmed reports of the "Americas Project" and revealed that due to resource constraints, they ultimately had to scale down the game's scope.
The studio may not face the same constraints when developing the inevitable GTA 7. Technical Director Phil Hooker told Bloomberg that the engine designed for GTA 6 could be used for future projects. This might help offset the difficulties of researching and rendering foreign locations. Nevertheless, Nelson still seems eager to explore a new American city.