Although the two franchises have a lot of differences, Rockstar should consider including some features fromRed Dead Redemption 2inGrand Theft Auto 6. Of course, not everything can be the same. Having a lot of wide open space or big game hunting would feel weird in a modern setting, and I’m not planning to ride a horse around Vice City. However, some of the broader features that helped makeRed Dead Redemption 2feel more alive would be a good fit forGTA 6.
I’ve already discussed some ways that I hopeRed Dead Redemption 2inspiresGTA 6, and I put an emphasis onfeatures I thought could help make Vice City and Leonida as a whole feel more life-like. With that goal in mind, there is another key feature ofRed Dead Redemption 2’s world that would be a perfect fit. Not only would it be a nice change fromGTA 5, but it’s the type of impressive feature that could makeGTA 6feel like a true next-gen upgrade worthy of the long wait.
RDR2’s Map Changes As The In-Game Years Progress
The main quest inRed Dead Redemption 2takes place in 1899, but the game’s epilogue takes place eight years later in 1907. While exploring the world during the epilogue, you’ll start to notice somechanges to the world that have taken place over the intervening years. Buildings that were under construction are now fully finished. The Appleseed Timber Company has moved on, and all the trees near their work site are cut down. Perhaps one of the best examples is Beecher’s Hope, which goes from a mostly empty plot of land to a fully-built and functioning ranch complete with livestock.
This change from one time period to the next makes the world feel much more realistic. Any settled area is going to change over the course of eight years, and that’s especially true for towns during the westward expansion of the United States, as depicted inRed Dead Redemption 2. Although it may not be as apparent in an urban area as it is on the frontier, changes do still happen frequently in places like Miami, the inspiration forGrand Theft Auto 6’s Vice City.
GTA 6’s Map Should Take RDR2’s Example A Step Further
GTA 6 Could Add More Time-Based Events And Changes
Now, it would be relatively easy forGrand Theft Auto 6to simply steal the idea of two distinct time periods fromRed Dead Redemption 2and incorporate it into its story. The game could have urban development projects in the works during the early part of the game, and then have those buildings finished later on. Given that theGTA 6trailer seems to have a framing device for its narrative where Lucia is flashing back to the events of the game,I wouldn’t even be surprised if we see two distinct times before and after Lucia is in prison.
However, I would love it ifGTA 6took things a step further, and changed its world on a more regular basis. Having periodic time jumps that change things in Vice City would make the game feel much more alive. This could mean new buildings being built, or time-specific events. Being based in a fictionalized Miami, it would make a lot of sense if parts ofGTA 6took place during major events like spring break, which would flood the city with tourists and new temporary structures. This would help the map feel less static thanGTA 5’s.
There have been someallegedGTA 6leakssaying something like this could be in the works. According to this supposed inside source,GTA 6’s NPCs will act and dress differently according to in-game events like concerts that are happening in Vice City. If true, this would also mean there will be sometime-based events that can make the city feel more alive. That said, I wouldn’t take these leaks as facts just yet, as there is little evidence that the poster isn’t just making it all up.
A Life-Like Leonida Is What GTA 6 Needs Most
Previous GTA Worlds Feel Too Stagnant
Part of why I’m hopingGTA 6is inspired byRed Dead Redemption 2’s changing world is thatthe game really needs to do something to make the city feel alive.GTA 5’s Los Santos was impressive when it first came out, but the more you play the game, the emptier the world starts to feel. The city is stagnant and NPCs are essentially lifeless husks who only exist to increase my wanted level when I lose control of my car and accidentally end up on the sidewalk.
I’m by no means saying I didn’t enjoyGTA 5, or that it didn’t feel next-gen at the time it came out. However, ifGTA 6is really going to cost $100, then I would like to see more dynamic elements added to its world.Red Dead Redemption 2did a great job making its world feel alive, and I thinkGTA 6is capable of taking things a step further. I am hopeful that Rockstar will impress me again, whenever the game ends up coming out.
