GTA is inseparable from crime. Even the series' name itself is a criminal act. For nearly three decades, it has been built on the concept of running around, stealing cars, shooting people, and generally engaging in all sorts of evil and malicious behavior, which we have loved every minute of.
But in GTA 6, things are changing. In a recent interview, Rockstar's Rob Nelson sat down to discuss the infinite possibilities of GTA 6, naturally including how the concept of continuous crime works within the game.
Spoiler: This time it's very different.
GTA 6 Will Let You Be a Good Person
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Rob Nelson and Jennifer Kolbe revealed some details about this open-world action game. It is the most anticipated game ever and promises to offer unparalleled freedom.
For many, this means committing crimes without restraint, including police chases, indiscriminate killing, and numerous heists. But in GTA 6, this isn't the only way forward. This time, we are no longer psychopaths who enjoy terrorizing innocent civilians.
Rockstar Games' Rob Nelson explained that crime remains undeniably one of the core pillars of GTA 6: "Crime is a fundamental component of GTA—at least it has been so far. We are working hard to ensure that players aren't penalized for playing the game in the way they're used to..."
Rob Nelson continued, "But your actions will have some impact on how the game develops."
When The Guardian asked if GTA 6 would incorporate a degree of empathy, potentially allowing players to be good people, Nelson said, "I would say yes."
Nelson continued, "I would say this is a result of the story we are trying to tell. It's our first attempt to provide some mechanics in a GTA game that encourage players who wish to do so."
Both GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 explored this concept, with the latter doing so much more deeply. In GTA V (2013), you could participate in dynamic random events where you would encounter a robbery or car theft happening on the sidewalk. You could then choose to help the victim or take out the robbers and keep the loot for yourself.
That was just a trial run.
In Red Dead Redemption 2, you encounter a complete morality system that determines the game's ending. If you are a good person, help others, refuse to engage in meaningless killings, and always speak positively, you will get a "better" ending. Additionally, as the game progresses, people will generally treat you differently.
If you choose to be the bad guy, your ending will be worse, people will fundamentally distrust you, and you'll earn yourself a reputation for being cold-blooded.
It sounds like this will also be a concept in GTA 6. We already know there is a "crime record" mechanic that determines your "level" as an offender based on how you commit crimes; we also know that dynamic interactions like those in GTA V will return.