The recent release of the first official gameplay trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 has ignited a significant online discussion, not about the game's environments or characters, but its user interface. While the trailer was largely met with positive reception, the game's UI, particularly the weapon and item wheels, has become a focal point for player debate, with opinions split between those who find it too simple and those who appreciate its clean aesthetic.
Fans have been meticulously analyzing every frame of the nearly 30-minute trailer, and the UI elements have drawn considerable attention. Screenshots showcasing the colorful icons for weapons, melee items, and clothing, alongside the minimap and health bars, have surfaced on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, accompanied by critical commentary. Some players express disappointment, with one GTA content creator on Twitter stating the HUD needs to be reworked, calling it "undercooked" and lacking personality.
Comments on Reddit echo this sentiment, with a popular post titled "UI needs some work" garnering hundreds of upvotes. Users describe the UI as too minimalist, simple, and boring, with some particularly disliking the look of the health and focus bars, feeling the minimalist approach has "sucked the life out of those." The circular weapon wheel composed of rectangular elements has also been noted as peculiar by some.
However, the minimalist design has also found its defenders. Many players argue that simplicity aids focus on gameplay, preventing distractions. Some have defended the UI, stating that Rockstar has historically favored sleek and simple interfaces, citing Red Dead Redemption 2 as an exception. Others find the design modern and fitting for the game's Vice City setting, with one user on Reddit appreciating the icons for their "steam/indie-like" quality in a positive sense.
A fan-made tweak that introduced rounded corners to the UI elements has also circulated, with many online commenting that it improves the overall appearance and suggests a more finished look. This has further fueled the discussion, with some suggesting that while not perfect, such modifications indicate a desire for refinement.
Historical precedent from Grand Theft Auto V's development offers a potential glimpse into the future of GTA 6's UI. When comparing the weapon wheel shown in the first GTA V gameplay trailer to its final in-game version, only minor changes like added color filters were observed. This suggests that the UI elements shown in the GTA 6 trailer may see little drastic alteration before release, a prospect that leaves some fans anxious about potential delays if significant redesigns are pursued.