How GTA 6 can put a modern twist on Arthur's notebook from Red Dead 2

Grand Theft Auto 6 has become a hotbed of speculation and rumor as it nears the one-year anniversary of the game's announcement trailer. December 2023 finally done GTA 6 a reality, and the planned fall 2025 release date is getting closer every day. Despite the release of its first and only cinematic trailer, Rockstar has yet to reveal any more information about the game.

The latest game that Rockstar released was Red Dead Redemption 2 back in 2018, and it's still hailed as one of the best stories in gaming. From the graphics to the story, the game still holds up for many, and with Rockstar at the helm, many have wondered how Red Dead Redemption 2 will affect GTA 6. There are even theories about it Red Dead Redemption 2s Guarma chapter was a testing ground for GTA 6. Although the predecessor's influence is not yet clear, GTA 6 was able to find a fascinating way to bring protagonist Arthur Morgan's journal mechanic into a modern setting.

Grand Theft Auto San Andreas CJ Ryder Sweet

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Arthur Morgan's Journal can inform a large part of GTA 6's gameplay

The GTA franchise has been no stranger to satirizing modern trends, and based on footage from the trailer, GTA 6 not holding back anytime soon. A major focus of the trailer's clip involves scandalous moments being documented and posted on social media. With Vice City and the larger state of Leonida being inspired by Miami and Florida, the viral nature of crazy videos and crime heads will definitely take center stage. IN Red Dead Redemption 2Arthur Morgan's journal can be used as a way to document more peaceful and meaningful moments in the game via sketches, but GTA 6 was able to turn this mechanic on its head by allowing players to record moments through social media posts.

Taking GTA's Satire to greater heights

Instead of sketching an NPC or Blackwater, players record GTA 6 could instead take pictures or videos of Easter eggs or key locations and post them to an in-game social media app. However, it can be taken even further by bringing NPC interactions into the mix. Comment sections and likes may well play a role in this mechanic, as each NPC can judge one's posts as in real life. GTA 6 promises plenty of NPCs, and while their place in the story is unclear, they could play a bigger role in how protagonists Lucia and Jason's reputations grow in Vice City.

GTA 6
is confirmed to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

The story of GTA 6 remains a mystery, but early footage indicates that Lucia and Jason are rising from the ranks of petty crime to a more extravagant lifestyle, and it would only make sense for social media to play a role in that ascent to notoriety as well. As the protagonists' reputations grow, so do their social media followings. Not only would this make sense for GTA 6s social satire, but it would also add an extra layer of immersion to Vice City.

Brings the world of GTA 6 to life

The Red Dead Redemption franchise is known as Rockstar's more thoughtful, emotional series, while GTA is loved for its over-the-top crass humor, making the two series fascinating contrasts. Despite the differences, the emphasis on a bold and vibrant open world is at the forefront of both franchises, so it's likely that Red Dead Redemption 2 will affect GTA 6 in a number of surprising ways.

As Fall 2025 creeps closer every day, the next update from Rockstar will hopefully further elaborate on how social media will play into the story of GTA 6. Such a feature can be overwhelming, while also making the world feel more alive if done well. Regardless, GTA 6 will be a massive launch in a year that is already filled with big releases.