5 Themes from Older GTA Games That GTA 6 Could Modernize
June 8, 2025
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series has always been known for its exciting open-world gameplay, unforgettable characters, and deep social commentary. Over the years, Rockstar Games has touched on many themes like crime, power, money, and corruption. As fans wait eagerly for GTA 6, which is expected to release soon, many wonder which old themes the game could bring back—and how they might be updated for today’s world.
Here are five key themes from older GTA games that GTA 6 could modernize:
1. The American Dream – from GTA: San Andreas
In GTA: San Andreas, CJ’s journey is about more than gang life—it’s about escaping poverty and chasing a better future. This theme of the American Dream, where anyone can rise up with hard work, is powerful. But today, this idea is more complex. With rising inequality, expensive housing, and fewer chances for poor people, GTA 6 could show a modern version of this dream. It could explore how difficult it is for young people today to succeed, even if they do everything right. The game might follow a character trying to escape the cycle of poverty but constantly blocked by a broken system.
2. Media Influence – from GTA: Vice City
Vice City was full of colorful characters and over-the-top media personalities. It made fun of 1980s pop culture and how the media shaped public opinions. In today’s world, media is more powerful than ever. With social media, viral videos, and online fame, GTA 6 has the chance to show how influencers, fake news, and internet culture affect people’s lives. Maybe the player could even become a fake online celebrity, gaining followers while hiding a criminal past.
3. Corruption in Government – from GTA IV
In GTA IV, Niko Bellic finds out that police and government officials are just as dirty as the criminals. This theme of corruption is still important today. In GTA 6, Rockstar could look at how corruption spreads through politics, business, and even technology. The game might feature politicians who pretend to help people but are secretly working for big corporations. Or maybe the player gets caught in a fight between two corrupt sides, with no clear “good guys.”
4. Racism and Social Tension – from GTA: San Andreas
CJ’s world was shaped by race, gang violence, and unfair treatment from the police. Today, these issues are still real, and many people talk about them more openly. GTA 6 could bring back this theme by showing how racism affects different communities. It could include characters from various backgrounds who struggle with police profiling, discrimination, and poverty. Done well, this theme could help players understand the unfair systems people live under.
5. The Price of Crime – from GTA V
In GTA V, each of the three main characters wants something—money, power, or respect. But their crimes always come with a cost. GTA 6 could take this further. Instead of just making crime look fun, the game could explore the emotional and personal damage it causes. Maybe the main character loses friends or family. Maybe they feel guilty. This would make the story deeper and more realistic.