It’s been over a year since Rockstar Games dropped the first Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer, and while that brief glimpse sparked immense hype, we’re still mostly in the dark about what the studio has in store. With a 2025 release window seemingly locked in, fans are eagerly waiting for more details to drop—whether it’s character backstories, new gameplay features, or a deeper look at Vice City’s world.

Even with little concrete information, one thing is becoming clear: GTA 6 is shaping up to be a noticeable departure from its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto 5, in at least one major way. While GTA 5 thrived on its larger-than-life protagonists and their explosive, chaotic personalities, GTA 6 may take the opposite route—grounding its main characters in a more realistic, emotional narrative while letting the unpredictability shine through Vice City’s inhabitants.

GTA 6’s Protagonists: A Step Back Towards Grounded Storytelling

The trailer introduced us to GTA 6’s central protagonist, Lucia, and hinted at her deep relationship with Jason, the other main character. From what we’ve seen so far, they seem much more grounded than the outrageous trio of GTA 5—Trevor, Michael, and Franklin.

Lucia’s portrayal, particularly in her prison scene, immediately signaled a shift toward more emotionally driven protagonists. The focus on her struggles, relationships, and motivations suggests that Rockstar is returning to storytelling in the vein of GTA 4’s Niko Bellic or San Andreas’ Carl “CJ” Johnson—characters whose actions were shaped by human emotions, survival, and loyalty rather than pure chaos for chaos’s sake.

This contrasts sharply with the protagonists of GTA 5, where insanity and over-the-top antics were front and center. Trevor Phillips, for example, was designed as a wildcard—a violent, unpredictable force of nature whose psychopathy justified the franchise’s notoriously wild crime sprees. Even Michael, the burnt-out family man, often acted recklessly for his own thrill, while Franklin served as a more balanced (albeit still ambitious) counterpart. Together, they brought personality extremes that allowed GTA 5 to push boundaries both narratively and tonally.

Why GTA 6 May Rely on Vice City for the Craziness

If Lucia and Jason are more “realistic” characters, where does that leave the wild, absurd chaos GTA is known for? Enter Vice City.

Set in a fictionalized version of Miami and the surrounding areas of Florida, GTA 6’s world already seems tailor-made for the franchise’s signature blend of crime, satire, and unpredictability. Rockstar is clearly drawing heavy inspiration from Florida’s viral reputation for bizarre, “you-can’t-make-this-up” headlines—particularly the infamous “Florida Man” archetype that has become a meme in itself.

For example, shortly after the trailer release, a real-life figure known as the “Florida Joker” claimed that Rockstar had used his likeness in the game. Whether his claim has merit or not, it speaks to the type of NPCs and side-content we’re likely to encounter in GTA 6: eccentric, unpredictable, and perfectly suited to add chaotic energy to Vice City.

The Perfect Balance: Wild World, Realistic Heroes

This narrative approach could strike an exciting balance for GTA 6. Instead of relying on larger-than-life protagonists like Trevor to justify insane story beats, Rockstar can channel that madness into the environment, NPCs, and side missions. This keeps Lucia, Jason, and the main story grounded, adding a layer of believability and emotional tension that makes the chaos around them hit even harder.

Imagine walking down the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and witnessing NPCs engaged in absurd antics that feel pulled straight from a “Florida Man” headline. A guy wrestling an alligator in a shopping cart, someone in a clown suit chasing after tourists, or a street preacher declaring the end of the world while brandishing a vacuum cleaner. This type of environmental storytelling doesn’t just fit GTA’s brand of humor—it enhances immersion and makes Vice City feel alive.

By grounding its protagonists while letting the world spiral into absurdity, Rockstar could offer the best of both worlds: a relatable, compelling story without sacrificing the over-the-top chaos that fans love.

GTA 5’s Eccentric Energy Versus GTA 6’s Potential

To understand how bold this shift could be, it’s worth revisiting GTA 5’s narrative approach.

• Trevor Phillips was pure chaos—unstable, violent, and hilarious in the worst ways. He embodied the player’s tendency to unleash mayhem in a GTA game.
• Michael De Santa was reckless in a more measured way—his mid-life crisis led to events like pulling down houses and smashing cars through dealerships.
• Franklin Clinton grounded the trio, acting as the relatable up-and-comer surrounded by madness.

Together, their dynamic worked because GTA 5 didn’t hold back. It leaned into its characters’ extremities, allowing the player to justify any over-the-top action through their personalities.

In contrast, GTA 6 appears to be taking a more subtle approach. If Lucia and Jason are driven by personal struggles and their relationship, they might not embody the same chaotic energy as Trevor or Michael. That’s not a bad thing—in fact, it could make their story far more engaging.

By placing the eccentricity into Vice City’s world, Rockstar can create a playground that feels both dangerous and hilarious, where you never know what bizarre event will unfold next.

Vice City: A Character in Its Own Right

The setting has always been a vital part of GTA’s success, and Vice City’s return couldn’t be more exciting. The first GTA 6 trailer already teased a vibrant, neon-drenched atmosphere that feels alive with opportunity and unpredictability.

The real-world influences are clear. Miami and Florida have long been infamous for their mix of glamour, crime, and absurd headlines. Rockstar’s satirical lens will undoubtedly exaggerate this to perfection, giving us a Vice City that feels as alive, chaotic, and hilarious as the real thing.

This also opens the door for some unforgettable side missions and NPC interactions. Whether it’s random street events, viral “Florida Man”-style moments, or over-the-top radio commentary, Vice City itself could feel like a protagonist—unpredictable, dangerous, and darkly funny.

Final Thoughts: A Bold New Direction for GTA 6

If GTA 6 does indeed invert GTA 5’s narrative formula—grounding its protagonists while letting the world provide the chaos—it could mark a fascinating evolution for the series. Lucia and Jason have the potential to offer a more emotionally driven story, while Vice City’s inhabitants ensure that the wild energy fans love remains alive and well.

By leaning into Florida’s viral reputation and populating the world with eccentric, unpredictable NPCs, Rockstar can create a game that feels both grounded and outrageous. It’s a balance that could make GTA 6 one of the most immersive and entertaining open worlds yet—one where every street corner hides a new, bizarre surprise.

For now, we’ll have to wait and see what Rockstar reveals next. But if the first trailer is any indication, Vice City is about to become the most vibrant and chaotic playground in GTA history.