Get ready to rethink your Grand Theft Auto strategy, because Rockstar is injecting a dose of realism into two core gameplay pillars: stealing cars and driving them. In an effort to elevate the experience beyond simple pick-up-and-play mechanics, GTA 6 promises a more nuanced and challenging approach to automotive acquisition and vehicular mayhem.
Driving with Difficulty
According to IGN, in an interview with Rob Nelson, co-studio head at Rockstar North, the streets of Vice City are narrower and more realistically scaled than previous installments. This, coupled with increased traffic density, makes driving a significantly more challenging endeavor. “The key to getting away won’t always be a fast car; sometimes fleeing on foot will be the way to go,” Nelson explained.
Evolving Car Theft
The process of stealing cars has also undergone a major overhaul. Gone are the days of simply pressing a button to hotwire any vehicle. Now, players must contend with a tiered system where certain vehicles are inaccessible until they progress further in the story and acquire specific tools. “Previously, you could just press triangle to automatically hotwire and steal any vehicle that you wanted and take off,” Nelson said. “We felt like that left a lot of potential gameplay on the table.”
Furthermore, high-end cars are now equipped with advanced GPS tracking systems, requiring players to drive at breakneck speeds to evade law enforcement. To aid in this process, Jason and Lucia have access to a new app called “Waink” that reveals whether a vehicle has a tracker and provides information about its value and registration costs.
Nelson elaborated on the new system: “For example, it tells me this car is locked, it’s got an alarm, and has no tracker. It also tells me how much it’s worth if I go to take it to a Pay n’ Spray or a specialty car fence, and how much it would cost for me to register it for myself.”
A Shift Towards Realism
This shift towards more complex mechanics aligns with Rockstar’s broader efforts to enhance the realism and depth of GTA 6. Combined with new systems for weight, health, relationships, and a revamped Wanted system, this change represents a move away from casual gameplay and towards a more immersive experience reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption 2.
“I think we just have to try and make something that we feel is innovating on what we’ve done previously, evolving it while still making it feel familiar,” Nelson told IGN. “Even though there are some new systems at play, it’s still very much Grand Theft Auto.”
While this change may not appeal to everyone, it undoubtedly adds a layer of complexity and challenge that could resonate with players seeking a more engaging and realistic GTA experience. However, Rockstar has been facing numerous challenges recently, including a protracted legal battle in the UK regarding alleged union-busting, the decision to not sell GTA 6 on discs, and of course, the numerous leaks that have plagued its development.
Source: Eurogamer
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