GTA VI is reportedly switching to pressing the left stick to trigger sprinting, eliminating the need to repeatedly press the A button on Xbox controllers or the X button on PlayStation controllers. This information was revealed by content creator Mikeshowsha following a showcase at Rockstar North in Edinburgh, though the controls have yet to be officially confirmed.
From GTA III to Red Dead Redemption 2, button mashing has been a common running mechanic in Rockstar Games titles. When sprinting at full speed, players need to repeatedly press a button with their right thumb, making it difficult to simultaneously use the right stick to observe their surroundings; some players may adopt less comfortable grip positions as a result.
If the reported changes are accurate, sprinting by pressing the left stick will allow players to more easily rotate the camera while running and may reduce the strain of button mashing for some players with mobility impairments. It is also said that the A or X button, previously used for sprinting, will now serve as the vehicle handbrake.