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  "path": "/topic/1006324-gta-6-concept-timeline-settings-why-vice-city-is-perfect-for-jason-lucia-and-my-concerns-about-the-modern-era/?do=findComment&comment=1072715817",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-20T20:45:08.000Z",
  "site": "https://gtaforums.com",
  "textContent": "Hi everyone,\n\n\n\n\tWithout a doubt, the upcoming release of GTA 6 is the most important and loudest event in the gaming industry in recent years. Today, I wanted to share my thoughts on the pros and cons of what we know so far, starting with the evolution of its core concept.\n\n\n\n\tAs we know from early leaks, the game we are waiting for went through at least three different story concepts over the years, which explains why development took so long.\n\n\n\n\tThe first concept reportedly focused on drug cartels and featured three playable characters: a cop trying to get his son out of the drug business, the son himself, and a remorseful cartel member. Management allegedly rejected this, feeling the story was way too dark. The second concept focused on two characters: a female Vice City cop trying to avenge her father's death (who was likely an undercover officer) and a Trevor-like psychopath.\n\n\n\n\tFinally, Rockstar greenlit the third concept—the current story inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, a pair of lovers committing robberies. In my opinion, this is by far the most interesting concept, and here is why.\n\n\n\n\tGTA has never been just a generic gangster game; it’s a brilliant satire and parody of our times. Millions of players worldwide fell in love with this exaggerated, dark-humored atmosphere combined with a great storyline. The Bonnie and Clyde dynamic is fascinating. If Rockstar maintains its classic satirical edge, we are in for a masterpiece. However, in today's climate of political correctness, there's always a risk of compromises. I truly hope Rockstar won't bow down to censorship and will keep the raw, untamed climate we all love.\n\n\n\n\tWe also know unofficially that GTA 6 is a massive AAA project designed to last for years. Unfortunately, to hit the release window, some content was allegedly cut to be delivered later as DLCs. I just hope we won't see a repeat of GTA V, where promised single-player DLCs were completely abandoned for GTA Online. Thankfully, leaks suggest that this time, both single-player and online modes will receive continuous updates. Rockstar likely learned its lesson after pushing away a huge portion of the single-player community during the GTA V era.\n\n\n\n\tNow, let's talk about the most crucial aspect: the time and setting. The GTA universe is beautifully divided into two eras: the 3D Era (GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories) and the HD Era (GTA IV with its DLCs, GTA V, and now GTA VI).\n\n\n\n\tRockstar has given us three main cities based on real-world locations:\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tLiberty City – the concrete jungle of GTA III, LCS, and GTA IV.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tLos Santos – the city of business, celebrities, and Hollywood-style glamour (GTA SA and GTA V). A great setting, but sometimes feeling a bit too clean for a raw gangster game.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tVice City – the beautiful, neon-lit paradise of crime. In the 3D era, it gave us an incredible story about building a drug empire.\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\tReturning to Vice City (and the state of Leonida, inspired by Florida) is a brilliant choice. The map is rumored to be several times larger than GTA V’s already massive world. More importantly, Vice City is the only place where a Bonnie and Clyde story can truly work. Jason and Lucia aren't high-profile mafia bosses or celebrities—they are street robbers, and Vice City naturally attracts that kind of hustle. I couldn't imagine them in Liberty City or modern Los Santos. It would be like forcing Niko Bellic into the glamorous Vinewood hills; it just wouldn't fit.\n\n\n\n\tHowever, I do have one major concern: the modern-day setting and the heavy focus on social media. Personally, I think this story would have peaked if it were set in the late 90s or early 2000s. It would allow for amazing character connections to the 3D era, and those years just felt more colorful and fitting for a raw crime romance. I really hope the writing is strong enough to justify choosing the modern era.\n\n\n\n\tWhat do you guys think? Did Rockstar make the right choice regarding the time period and setting, or would you prefer a different era or city?\n\n\n\n\tAlso, speaking of atmospheric settings, what are your favorite cities in gaming? For example, I absolutely love New Bordeaux (New Orleans) from Mafia 3. The gameplay loop had its flaws, but the city and its 1960s atmosphere were pure magic.\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\tP.S. Since I am deeply passionate about preserving the history and unique atmosphere of these games, I am currently building a dedicated digital archive called PlayWithTiger. I record full, high-quality No Commentary / Pure Gameplay walkthroughs for anyone who wants to revisit the mechanics and stories without shouting or artificial streaming reactions. I am currently running through the classic GTA games (utilizing high-resolution emulation like PCSX2 for titles like Vice City Stories and GTA 3), alongside other series like Call of Duty and atmospheric gems like Still Wakes the Deep. If you want to experience these games in their purest form, feel free to check out my archive here:\n\n\n\n\t[GTA Vice City Stories Archive]\n\n\n\n\t[GTA Vice City Archive]",
  "title": "GTA 6 Concept, Timeline & Settings: Why Vice City is Perfect for Jason & Lucia (And My Concerns About the Modern Era)"
}