GTA 6 may be one of the most-awaited games of all time, and players have had to experience delays and postponed release dates. However, the game’s pre-orders have now gone live, and it will release in November 2026. The game will be launched for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S first, with a PC release planned for later. GTA 6 is expected to take the franchise to another level, and it’s possible the game can change players’ expectations and what they see in future PS5 titles.
Can GTA 6 Set the Standard for Other PS5 Games?
GTA 6 hasn’t been released yet, so not everything about the game is confirmed. However, many details have either been leaked or can be inferred from past GTA titles, which can give an idea of how the upcoming Rockstar Games title can change the industry.
Shift Towards Digital Gaming
This is a massive change in direction, as physical games have traditionally come with a disc. However, Rockstar has moved towards a digital model, where even the game box will contain a code rather than a disc. Rockstar has reportedly backed down after outrage, with support stating a disc version may be released later on. However, this is unverified, and some sources claim no disc will be released.
This move has been criticized by many fans, who want to own a disc, rather than having an empty box. Several physical storefronts have also reportedly refused to sell GTA 6 because they don’t want to sell empty boxes. Not all the reaction to this is negative, as some fans claim that many gamers would rather buy a code than stand in line at midnight. While a controversial change, this model may be adopted by other PS5 games if GTA 6’s success remains unaffected.
Pricing and Substantial Content Behind the Ultimate Edition
This is another move Rockstar has received serious flak for. The developer announced the pricing a day before pre-orders were set to start, with the base version costing $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition priced at $99.99. This is a significant increase from past titles, but some have reasoned that it could be due to inflation. Regardless of the reason behind the move, this can cause other developers to increase their prices as well.
If that isn’t enough, Rockstar has also kept substantial content behind the $20 paywall. Cosmetics and vehicles being bonus content for an Ultimate Edition makes sense; however, GTA 6’s base version will seemingly miss out on several in-game stores and missions. This is a risky move for Rockstar, and many fans are angry about having to shell out more money. Other PS5 games may follow suit and treat the base editions as entry versions, while keeping major content locked behind other editions.
More Realistic Open Worlds
Rockstar has released two GTA 6 trailers at the time of this writing, and one thing is clear in both of them: the game appears to be as realistic as technology allows. The trailers highlight an astonishing level of detail, with the beaches, cities, and traffic all being extremely visually pleasing. GTA 6 is also returning to Vice City, which provides fans with both a sense of nostalgia and something to compare the game with. The fictional city is based on Miami, Florida, and fans already know what locations they can expect there.
Vice City in the namesake GTA title was limited by the time’s technology, and couldn’t achieve the graphics that are now possible. Rockstar has used modern technology that can make the game’s visuals breathtaking. This was seen in past titles, such as GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, where Rockstar added significant realistic graphics. GTA 6 is being released several years after those two games, and if Rockstar provides fans with a substantial level of realism in GTA 6, it can change fans’ expectations for future PS5 titles significantly.
NPC AI
This is something players have complained about in many open-world games, not just GTA titles. They feel the NPCs aren’t smart enough and only react to the player. Open-world RPGs need the NPCs to feel more structured, so they complete their tasks, have a complex schedule, and can interact with each other without being like background noise. GTA 6’s trailer showcases something that may reduce the complaints.
From what is seen so far in the trailer, it appears as if the NPCs aren’t just in the game for the player. They are seen reacting realistically and engaging with each other. The NPC crowds also appear denser, which is another positive thing, as that may add to the immersion. Other PS5 games may be influenced by this and tweak their NPC AI to make their behavior and reactions more natural.
Performance and DualSense features
This may be the most important for PS5 players, as GTA 6 can use the console to its full potential. The PS5 has an ultra-fast SSD, which reduces fast travel time and loads the world almost instantly. GTA 6 could take advantage of this, as the game’s world appears to be massive, and if there is no load time, then you can travel without any loading screens. The console also has a CPU that supports simulating heavy worlds, which can come into play with the NPCs. GTA 6 can have more NPCs active and following more complex schedules.
The DualSense controller also adds a unique element that GTA 6 could use, with driving vibrations or shooting recoil. These changes may appear smaller compared to others, but GTA 6 using PS5 to its full potential can make it seamless and more immersive. If Rockstar adds all these things to GTA 6, this can possibly be one of the biggest expectations fans could have from other PS5 games.
