Grand Theft Auto 6 is reportedly in development, although some GTA 6 reports indicate its early development. Some insiders contradict this statement, but regardless of how far the game is in development, many may just be excited to know that it is. After all, it's not an understatement to say that Grand Theft Auto 5 is one of the most popular games of recent generations, and so GTA 6 has a lot of pressure to live up to its predecessor.
One way Grand Theft Auto 6 is likely to do this is to follow one key element of GTA 5: multiple protagonists. While everyone has their favorites, there's no doubt the unique and complex story that introduces Franklin, Micheal, and Trevor to players has a Rockstar-unique approach to story telling.
Why It Worked in GTA 5 (and Where We've Seen it Before)
Grand Theft Auto 5 bringing in three protagonists to the main story instead of the one found in the series thus far was a real-game changer, and it allowed the game to capture the best of its predecessors. Michael de Santa's professional mafia-like approach to all things is remniscent of Niko Bellic in Grand Theft Auto 4, Franklin Clinton's ambitions and dreams seem to follow a path not unlike CJ in San Andreas, and Trevor is a unique approach to the game. It brings the old and new into one game, which it may have struggled without doing so. After all, Trevor's sociopathic charms can only go so far.
What's more, Grand Theft Auto 5 isn't even the only title to use multiple protagonists to tell a story. Both Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2, for example, utilize two protagonists (albeit in a completely different approach). John Marston's story is brought to an end in the first game through the eyes of Jack Marston, whereas Arthur's fate is avenged by John Marston in Red Dead Redemption 2. It seems like a safe bet that GTA 6 features multiple protagonists, but the question becomes how many and what role do they play.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Protagonists
Practically every GTA 6 rumor or leak lists multiple protagonists as a trait. Now, that does not mean they are legit or confirm the feature is returning, but it does speak volumes to the popularity of the feature. Of course, every single one brings it up differently. The most recent Grand Theft Auto 6 protagonist leak details 4 main characters, somehow bridging various time spans (RDR much?): Walter Wallace, an un-named former IDF soldier, a smuggler named Thomas Branigan, and a single father named Marcus Burke.
In truth, that rumor is almost certainly fake and a dead giveaway is that its existence seems designed to contradict GTA 6 early development reports, and many seem to suggest that 4 is too many. Others want something with dual protagonists that has a more Bonnie and Clyde approach, while others think that 3 is the perfect number. It would also be a good way to introduce a female protagonist to Grand Theft Auto 6, as some also want that.
What rumors and fan replies to GTA 6 protagonist rumors prove is that the demand is there. It is a feature many would welcome back in some form, and something that if done properly could help make Grand Theft Auto 6 the next Grand Theft Auto 5. Assuming it is indeed in early development, there's a good chance Rockstar is paying attention to fan feedback, so only time will tell how GTA 6 turns out.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is reportedly in development.