GTA VI, set to release this year, is arguably the most anticipated video game in history. After waiting 12 years since GTA V and 7 years since Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games is poised to deliver a groundbreaking experience. By examining Rockstar’s history and choices, one can speculate that GTA VI may mark the beginning of a Rockstar Games Metaverse.

What is a Metaverse?

In short, a metaverse blends the virtual and real worlds. This fusion often involves incorporating real elements into a video game. Essentially, it creates a virtual world mirroring real-life interactions. Think of concerts by Marshmello or Travis Scott in Fortnite, or performances by Dixon, The Black Madonna, or Tale of Us in GTA Online. Historical examples include servers from Arma II and III, PlayStation Home, and most notably, Second Life. These represent clear instances of metaverses, where virtual worlds feature avatars, unique interactions, virtual properties, and even paid roles.

Role-Play and the Metaverse

The link between metaverses and role-play (RP) is vital. While RP elements don’t necessarily imply a metaverse, a metaverse requires RP elements to function effectively.

Rockstar Games and the Metaverse

Currently, both Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games show a strong interest in the metaverse and RP. As noted in previous articles, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, expressed a strong belief in the metaverse. He even suggested that GTA Online and Red Dead Online have already created a form of a metaverse.

The Americas Project and Future Possibilities

Before multiple reboots in the development of GTA VI, there was the Americas Project. This ambitious project aimed to create a vast map, connecting Vice City to South America, fulfilling the Houser brothers’ vision of an ultimate online experience. This vision included a GTA that connected all locations: Vice City, Liberty City, Los Santos, Las Venturas, and San Fierro. Ultimately, GTA Online would have become a massive MMORPG.

Addressing Current Limitations

1. Limited World: The current world of Los Santos and San Andreas is not detailed or extensive enough for community interactions.
2. Game Economy: The existing economy does not fully support player commerce and exchange. GTA Dollars cannot be converted into real money.
3. Immersion and Activities: The longevity of GTA Online relies on its activities and updates since 2013.

GTA VI and the new version of GTA Online are expected to address these limitations, particularly the restricted world size.

The Metaverse Vision

The concept of a metaverse frequently appears when discussing Rockstar Games’ future. Fans, the gaming industry, and economists all see the metaverse as a significant part of Rockstar’s plans. This idea may have roots that go back further than we think. After leaving Rockstar North in 2016, former president Leslie Benzies announced his next game, Everywhere, aiming to create a concrete metaverse. Could the metaverse concept have been considered at Rockstar long before?