GTA 6 details: Red Dead Redemption 2 systems taken to the next level, physical intimacy, and more

It’s been over 13 years in the making, and we’re just over a month away from getting what will arguably be the biggest game ever. GTA 6 is scheduled for release on November 19, but a few publications were given a more hands-on experience a couple of months ago. IGN was one of those publications, and it has now published a detailed interview with Rob Nelson that brings more information.

It’s a really long interview, so we’ve picked some highlights. It is clear that GTA 6 will be more like Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR 2) than previous GTA games in terms of scale and freedom. Rob Nelson shared that a lot of the mechanics from RDR 2 have been incorporated into GTA 6, including NPC interactions, safehouses, player appearance, and more.

NPC interactions and diversity

First off, we already know that the NPCs in GTA 6 are more dynamic, both in terms of behaviours and appearance, compared to previous GTA games. Players will be able to interact with them and listen to their crazy conversations. But if you eavesdrop a little too long, the NPCs will take notice and act accordingly. Nelson also credits the current-gen consoles and the ample memory compared to last gen that has allowed them to create Vice City at this scale.

Wanted area on map

Another aspect similar to RDR 2 is the hot area or wanted area shown on the map after a crime is committed. Cops will gather in the wanted area, hang around for a while, and then get back to their routine. Players have the choice to either escalate or de-escalate the situation. Furthermore, changing your clothes will bring down or remove your wanted level, but changing your hairstyle will not.

Stealing cars and trackers

Of course, you can get into any vehicle you see, but at the start of the game, you won’t be able to get into certain vehicles as specific tools are required to break in. It seems like after you acquire said tools, they will be a permanent part of your inventory, and you can steal any car moving forward. But some vehicles may have a tracker. Nelson revealed that there is a scanner system included in the phone that lets you get more information on the vehicle, including what it’s worth. Some cars can be broken into, but some others require cloning the keys.

Criminal Profile and relationship system

There are two independent systems in GTA 6, one that shows what kind of criminal you are — Criminal Profile — and the other shows how your relationship with your partner is. Spending time together, no matter what the activity, will have a positive impact on the relationship.

When asked about Jason and Lucia not being in a relationship, Nelson said:

If you don't, we've played around with it and thought about it a lot. The narrative is structured in such a way that the circumstances they find themselves in require them to stay together for most of the story and work together. At the very least, they will get through most things as partners in crime.

As for the Criminal Profile, it is different from the honor system in RDR 2 as “consistent sorts of actions may have an impact in terms of how the world reacts to you and how the narrative plays out.” However, the actions that you need to take as part of a mission do not affect the Criminal Profile, but if you go over the top consistently, it will affect your Criminal Profile.

Physical intimacy

Talking about physical intimacy between Jason and Lucia, a subject that came up recently when the age ratings started surfacing, Nelson shared that there is physical intimacy, as it is a huge part of a relationship. He also suggested that there may be mini-games or quick-time events related to the duo’s physical intimacy.

There’s a lot more in the full interview, and while most of it is not surprising, it’s still more juice to get fans excited for GTA 6.