Rockstar Games has indicated that Grand Theft Auto VI will likely not feature direct recreations of prominent Florida attractions like Disney World and SeaWorld. In a recent cover story with Game Informer, Rockstar's senior vice president of environment art, Paul MacPherson, explained the studio's process for selecting which elements of Florida, dubbed Leonida in the game, would be included.
MacPherson stated that Rockstar must "constantly evaluate the diversity of landscapes, towns, structures, landmarks, vistas, plant species, rock formations and everything else before we work with design and narrative to distill a list down that best works with and serves the game’s needs." While acknowledging that not every specific location might be present, he emphasized that "everything we have is geared to getting that full Florida experience!"
This suggests a selective approach to world-building, prioritizing narrative and gameplay design over a direct, one-to-one representation of every Florida staple. Unlike Grand Theft Auto V, which included a version of the Venice Beach Boardwalk with interactive elements like a rollercoaster and Ferris wheel, the development team may be focusing resources on other aspects of the game. The previous iteration's amusement park features were noted as being unremarkable and not worth repeat engagement.
However, the game will include a zoo for players to explore. Animals are confirmed to be a significant feature in GTA 6, with over 170 species planned, including rare and legendary breeds that can be studied. Rockstar's development process also involved extensive on-the-ground research in Florida, with the studio confirming visits to various establishments, including strip clubs, to gather firsthand experience and detail for the game world.