Rockstar Games has detailed the immersive research methods employed by developers to authentically recreate Florida for Grand Theft Auto VI. Senior vice president of narrative, Rupert Humphries, shared that the team undertook extensive first-hand research in Miami and South Florida.
This included visits to strip clubs and nightclubs, time spent on beaches and in the Everglades, and even participating in night patrols with former police officers. These experiences were aimed at capturing the essence of the region for the game's setting, Leonida, which is Rockstar's rendition of Florida.
While Rockstar has depicted Florida in previous Grand Theft Auto titles, most recently with Vice City Stories in 2006, GTA 6 is set in the contemporary era. The developers' research accounts for the significant changes that have occurred in the two decades since.
Official information and gameplay previews have showcased Leonida's diverse regions, including Vice City, Leonida Keys, Grassrivers, Port Gellhorn, Ambrosia, and Mount Kalaga National Park. The game is set to feature a variety of activities such as kayaking, street and off-road racing, and air boating. Nightclub and beach environments have also been highlighted.
The inclusion of strip clubs, previously seen in leaked GTA 6 footage, is a notable element. While unofficial leaks revealed explicit content, Rockstar has not yet officially shown strip club gameplay. However, the studio's historical approach to mature content in the Grand Theft Auto series suggests their inclusion is likely.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release in November on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and S.