The wait around GTA 6 remains immense, with a release still scheduled for November 19, 2026. However, this does not prevent discussions from already turning to the future of the franchise. A former Rockstar Games developer has just revived speculation around GTA 7, by mentioning a key element: its location. And according to him, we should not expect a revolution.
GTA 7, a probable return to American cities
Since its beginnings, the Grand Theft Auto series has relied on a very specific formula: recreating fictional versions of major American cities. Liberty City is inspired by New York, Los Santos by Los Angeles and Vice City by Miami. GTA 6 will continue this logic with Leonida, a revisited version of Florida. According to Obbe Vermeij, former technical director at Rockstar, this approach should continue for future games.
Why radical change would be unlikely
Asked about the possibility of GTA leaving the United States, the former developer was clear: “It’s just not realistic. I would love it, and if it took another year to develop a game, then yes, sure, we could have a little fun, but that won’t be the case with a GTA every 12 years.” The development of ever more ambitious games would make it more difficult to explore new territories. The priority would therefore remain on environments that are already controlled.
A technological evolution rather than a change of scenery
For him, innovation does not necessarily occur in a new place. He explains: “You’re not going to set the action in a new location. That’s not necessary, because technology evolves so much. Nobody is going to say that they won’t play GTA 6 because they’ve already played Vice City. That would be absurd. It’s completely different.” In other words, improving graphics, interactivity and realism could be enough to renew the experience, even in a familiar setting.
Cities already known could return again
Finally, the former developer goes further by discussing the most likely locations for GTA 7: “They will return to New York. They will return to Los Angeles or maybe Las Vegas. I’m afraid we’re stuck in this cycle of about five American cities. We’ll have to get used to it.” These statements remain speculation, and Rockstar Games has not confirmed anything regarding GTA 7. But they give a glimpse of the direction the license could take, between continuity and technological evolution, rather than a radical change of environment.