Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to feature an in-game social network that appears to satirize modern platforms like TikTok and Instagram, allowing players to follow influencers and discover side missions. This continues Rockstar Games' tradition of parodying contemporary online culture, following in-game networks like Lifeinvader and Bleeter in Grand Theft Auto 5, and the internet-focused Tw@ in Grand Theft Auto 4.
New information emerged from Brazilian retailer listings on Amazon and Kabum, offering a more detailed look at the system. Amazon's description states players will be able to "watch viral videos, follow influencers, and discover world events through your in-game mobile phone." Kabum elaborates further, describing the social network as a key innovation in a "living world controlled by artificial intelligence," where the character's phone consumes "viral videos in real-time." This integration aims to allow players to "follow Vice City influencers and discover secret side missions through social media."
The debut trailer for GTA 6 offered a glimpse of this feature, showcasing a montage of short-form video clips depicting various activities within the game world, such as parties, performances, and public incidents. The trailer also displayed interface elements like "follow," "heart," and "comment" buttons, hinting at interactive possibilities within the network.
Beyond the social media aspect, the retailer listings also provide additional details about GTA 6's gameplay and world. Players will reportedly be able to switch between the two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, "in real-time" during the story, and participate in missions as a duo. Kabum suggests that "each protagonist possesses unique abilities that directly influence the criminal ecosystem and the tactical intelligence of the missions." The game's Vice City map is described as "the most massive, dense, and insane map ever created by Rockstar Games," featuring diverse environments like "neon-lit streets," "dangerous swamps," "crowded beaches," and "realistic suburbs."
GTA 6 is scheduled to release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. Recent news surrounding the title has also included the opening of pre-orders, the confirmation of the game's price, and details regarding its physical edition, which will reportedly only include a download code.