Grand Theft Auto 6 is one of the most anticipated video games ever. After more than 18 months since the last official glimpse, developer Rockstar has shown fans a 26-minute preview of the upcoming blockbuster.
The "extended look" debuted on Netflix, six hours before going live on YouTube, giving players their first detailed look at the title in action. The montage, with no commentary or explanatory captions, showcased improved graphics, detailed environments, and a selection of car chases and shootouts.
The broadcast followed a week of unauthorized gameplay leaks, which the developer said had been "heartbreaking" to see shared online. After getting the chance to show the version of GTA 6 it wanted the world to see, here are some things we learned and some we still don't know.
GTA 6 follows the story of couple Lucia and Jason, a "Bonnie and Clyde" narrative. In a preview on IGN, developers said the characters' story can be affected by player actions, though players can "opt out" of developing the pair's bond. The Netflix preview didn't show this in detail but did show the ability to switch control between the two characters.
In one segment, Jason was seen lowering Lucia from a window as they escaped a drug bust. A similar switching system was used in GTA 5, which had three playable characters.
Praise for GTA 6's graphics was nearly universal, with characters displaying photorealistic faces and lifelike movements. Fans were impressed by detailed locations, including apartment interiors, rooftop bars, and sleazy underground clubs. The preview showcased various environments of Leonida, the fictional Florida-inspired state.
The range of body shapes and sizes among background characters, rarely seen in video games, was highlighted by many players. Journalist Ryan McCaffrey said GTA 6 "might be the best-looking game I've ever seen." The visual fidelity is attributed to Rockstar's extensive development time and budget, among the most expensive in video game history.
While GTA 6 breaks new ground in visuals and scale, it remains at heart a Grand Theft Auto game. The preview showed armed heists, car chases, and criminal underworld scenes. Satirical swipes at US culture, darkly comic interactions, and a huge range of optional side activities were present.
Rockstar has expanded on features from Red Dead Redemption 2, such as an "honor" system affecting the player's reputation. The series, estimated to have sold half a billion copies since 1997, continues to thrill fans.
GTA 6 is set to launch on November 19, expected to be the biggest release of all time. Long-term success will depend on how well Rockstar converts players to any new online mode. GTA Online, launched after GTA 5, remains one of the most-played games and has generated billions.
GTA 5 broke records in 2013 and has sold over 200 million copies. Two official trailers for GTA 6 have nearly 500 million combined views on YouTube. The Netflix "extended look" is being marketed as an event.
Next month, Rockstar faces an employment tribunal in Scotland over claims it illegally sacked ex-employees for trying to form a union. The company strongly denies the accusations, saying workers were fired for gross misconduct.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk