Those who enjoy both of Rockstar Games’ most popular franchises should be in for a treat with Grand Theft Auto 6, as its story will seemingly parallel that of Red Dead Redemption 2 more than its predecessor. In terms of setting, the western series and Grand Theft Auto 5 couldn’t be further apart, one taking place in an America full of cowboys and revolvers, and the other in a present-day city with modern vehicles and fully automatic weapons. But from what’s been leaked so far, it looks like GTA 6 will actually be combining elements from both games to create a story quite similar to RDR2‘s.
2022 was a significant year for GTA fans, as many such leaks provided glimpses into the highly-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. Dozens of videos portraying the first few minutes of gameplay, which were later confirmed to be genuine by Rockstar Games, don’t reflect the finished state of GTA 6, but nonetheless, they were a goldmine of information. One particularly promising element found should not only help GTA 6 stand out among the rest of the series but also hints at a narrative inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2 more than its predecessors.
According to leaks, Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature two playable protagonists: one being male, and the other being female (for the first time in the franchise’s history). Having multiple playable characters isn’t a new feature, but Lucia and Jason already seem to have a close, potentially romantic bond. Thus, many fans have described them as a modernized version of the notorious crime couple, Bonnie and Clyde. Such a ride-or-die sentiment would align closely with Red Dead Redemption 2‘s own themes of loyalty and ultimate sacrifice. It’s even possible that the pair is on the run from the law, which would make the parallels quite obvious.
One of GTA 6‘s protagonists might die early, and this would bring it even closer to RDR2‘s narrative. Over the course of the game, Arthur watches as the Van der Linde gang falls apart, and he’s close to helpless when it comes to saving those that he holds dear. It’s a tragic story that emphasizes the dangers of getting loved ones involved in the crime world: a concept that Grand Theft Auto 6‘s Bonnie and Clyde-esque protagonists could definitely explore. While GTA 5 does have some hard-hitting moments, its story comes nowhere near that of its western counterpart, so this shift in the narrative could be particularly impactful in GTA 6.
Although Lucia and Jason are much closer to the present-day world of GTA 5, their partnership has the potential to create a timeless, heartbreaking tale of Red Dead Redemption 2‘s caliber. GTA 6‘s female protagonist is needed, and a big deal on its own, but this step towards gender inclusivity could also mark the beginning of a fantastic new storyline for the series, especially if the characters find themselves romantically involved. Themes of loyalty, love, and loss could make Grand Theft Auto 6 the criminal love story that fans didn’t know they needed.
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