GTA 6 preview reveals gameplay mechanics: diet, muscle, fatigue, and more

Stepping away from the slew of GTA 6 leaks, an exclusive interview with the head of development at Rockstar North has revealed new information about the game and its protagonists. Looks like GTA 6 brings back some mechanics from older GTA games, particularly GTA: San Andreas, but takes them to the next level.

Rob Nelson, who is the head of development and co-studio head at Rockstar North, spoke with Dazed magazine and gave some insight into the development of GTA 6, as well as its lead characters. Talking about mounting pressure due to the hype, Nelson shared that external pressure doesn’t compare to the pressure the dev team puts on itself.

There’s no doubt that with GTA games, Rockstar has wanted to make things as realistic and immersive as possible. It has made iterative changes to world-building systems, i.e., how the world reacts to the protagonist and what kind of consequences their actions can have. With GTA 6, Nelson explains, “The thing we love about this medium is the way these characters aren’t empty avatars that you can do whatever you want with. Their story becomes a journey you share with them.”

San Andreas body mechanics taken to the next level 

Jason and Lucia have complex identities of their own, but they still allow players to see themselves in those characters. Part of making these complex characters was actions and consequences. The interview reveals that Jason and Lucia’s bodies will react to how players choose to play them. Food will affect their weight, working out will build visible muscle, not sleeping will reflect in facial features, and so on.

Some of these mechanics, particularly the dynamic body, were present in GTA: San Andreas as well. The protagonist, CJ, would show visible body changes depending on diet and exercise habits. This means keeping Jason and Lucia healthy and in shape will be another thing players have to worry about, thus taking immersion and realism to the next level.