GTA 6: 7 things we learned from Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look on Netflix

Jason and Lucia are very much inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, and player choices will impact their relationship. | Rockstar Games

After more than a year with no updates, Grand Theft Auto fans have finally gotten their first real glimpse of GTA 6.

One of the most highly anticipated entertainment releases of all time, fans around the world tuned into Netflix for the premiere of Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look.

Showcasing details first revealed in leaks and then later confirmed by publications including Dazed Magazine and IGN, the new preview of GTA 6 comes ahead of the game’s release in November, with key elements such as the overhauled Wanted system and Criminal Profile introduced.

Jason is one of the two protagonists for GTA 6. | Rockstar Games

The preview demonstrates Rockstar’s approach to creating a realistic and immersive world with the new game, as various locations, non-playable characters and more are highlighted.

READ MORE: 'It's just about fun': Original Grand Theft Auto programmer shares inside look at how the first game was made

As well as paying attention to learnings from GTA V, which was released 13 years ago, the developer has also made sure to carry forward lessons from 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2). There are now consequences to actions taken by players, whether that’s in terms of diet and exercise or relationships, there is a new layer of realism to GTA 6’s gameplay.

Here are 7 things we learned from Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look on Netflix — and how you can watch it even if you aren’t subscribed to the streaming service.

1. Players can easily switch between Jason and Lucia

Fans have known for a while now that Jason and Lucia are both protagonists in GTA 6 – with Lucia the first female protagonist for the series.

Players will be able to choose whether or not to play as a couple or to independently cause chaos throughout the game.

In addition, players can switch between the characters, and in one moment can be driving as Jason only to switch and be Lucia in the passenger seat — scrolling through the game’s social media networks or firing shots out the car window.

Their backstory was also confirmed, in an earlier interview. While Jason is now a drug runner, he was formerly military. As for Lucia, she is a fighter who was recently released from prison.

2. Player choices will influence how NPCs respond — and how relationships develop

This has been the case in previous games such as GTA V with its wanted system, but Rockstar appear to have really drilled into the behaviour of their NPCs. They will be far more reactive than in the past and players should anticipate more trouble trying to traverse the environment toting guns or driving recklessly than in the past.

One LA branch of Rockstar is almost solely dedicated to designing pedestrian NPCs. Interactions with them can go many different ways, with effort having been put into the way even just pulling out guns work. No longer will they automatically, aim but instead players can use them to intimidate.

In addition, there appears to be much greater importance placed on choices than in the past. It seems as though the player will dictate how the couple’s relationship plays out, and will have at least some story consequences.

The preview even has Lucia quipping: “Relationships are about communication, Jay.”

3. You can pet the dog

One of the earliest moments of the preview which shows Jason and Lucia arriving to pick up a shipment for Boobie Ike has the couple walking through what appears to be a crackhouse to find their contact.

In said location, there is a dog. Players will be able to chose whether they scold, pet or study the dog.

In the preview, Jason pets him and he receives some good karma - more on this later.

4. Character appearances will be dictated by player choice

Much like in past Rockstar titles, how the player acts while controlling the character will cause some minor — or not so minor — changes in appearance. For example, the food Jason and Lucia eat or the exercise they take on will visibly impact their bodies — gaining or losing weight, increased muscle definition, or even too many chaotic, sleepless nights.

These choices will also give you various food and workout buffs, according to IGN who were also able to preview the game.

5. GTA 6’s Wanted system has been revamped with Criminal Profiles

GTA fans will be familiar with the franchise’s Wanted system, which has been overhauled for the new game.

If a player commits a crime, based on the situation, the police will receive a description of the character, as well as clothing, cars and whether or not they are alone or with a partner. Changing those things can help in escaping the authorities.

That being said, the actions taken by players will also play into a new mechanic: Criminal Profiles.

It is comparable to RDR2’s Honour system, but it is more nuanced in many ways.

Being violent will work against players in many aspects, resulting in marks against player’s Criminal Profile, while other choices such as putting items in the bin or - as we mentioned petting the dog - can do the opposite.

6. Rockstar spent years research and consulting for the game and it shows

In order to build more realism, Rockstar consulted various real cops, criminals, gun dealers and various other types of people who appear in the game. This extended to hiring around 50 street artists who designed murals around the game.

The locations which we see popping up throughout the preview are clearly just scratching the surface of what’s to come for players, with boats, base jumping, fishing and more all briefly making an appearance.

The way the preview ends, with Jason’s friend Cal Hampton talking about enjoying the present, appears to be what Rockstar hopes players will do when GTA 6 finally launches.

Take in the detailed life popping up all across Vice City.

7. Stealing cars isn’t quite as easy

In past GTA games, stealing was simply a case of pressing a button and going. For GTA 6 there is more thought that will need to go into Grand Theft Auto, with some vehicles only able to be stolen when further along in gameplay.

However, publicly accessible methods of transport such as e-scooters will be on hand around the city.

I don’t have Netflix - when can I watch the new GTA 6 preview?

If you aren’t a Netflix subscriber you can either prepare for a very late night, or watch the full thing in the morning.

Here in the UK, the full Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look will arrive on the Rockstar Games website and YouTube Channel from 2am on Friday, August 28.

What is the release date for GTA 6?

With Rockstar now amping up their marketing, Grand Theft Auto VI is still set for an official release date of Thursday, November 19.

The game is currently available for pre-order on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S - PC is still a long while off yet - with the standard edition priced at £69.99 in the UK. If you’re interested in some exclusive in-game items, the Ultimate Edition will cost £89.99.

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