Rockstar Games has announced that the first trailer for GTA 6 will be released in early December, marking over a decade since the launch of GTA 5. The anticipation for the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series has always been sky-high, but with the release of the first real look at GTA 6, expectations will soar even higher. Unfortunately, no matter how good the game turns out to be, it is unlikely to meet these lofty expectations.
Unattainable Dreams
The success of GTA 5 has set the bar incredibly high. The gap between the release of GTA 5 and the upcoming GTA 6 is significant, with many players having grown up alongside the game. Those who have recently enjoyed GTA 5 may have only just entered the gaming world when it was first released.
The early days of GTA Online were plagued with issues, such as progress not saving properly and constant crashes. However, the landscape of gaming has changed since then, and it remains to be seen whether GTA Online will continue as a separate entity or undergo a reset. If there is a re-release for GTA 6, we can expect similar server issues to arise, reminiscent of the early days of GTA Online.
Lessons from Starfield
Starfield, another highly-anticipated release, faced similar challenges. Despite the successes of Bethesda, the game did not live up to the hype. The longer the wait for a game, the higher the expectations become, and Starfield left many fans wanting more. While I personally enjoyed Starfield and its captivating storylines, it did not revolutionize the gaming industry as some had hoped.
Unrealistic Expectations
It is important to note that the blame does not lie with the developers in these situations. Fans often demand greatness and expect games to be perfect every time. However, a game that scores 7/10 or 8/10 can still be enjoyable and achieve its goals. Unfortunately, many fans perceive such games as falling short.
Can GTA 6 Break the Mold?
It is highly unlikely that GTA 6 will break this pattern. If it launches primarily as a single-player title with GTA Online as a separate entity, comparisons will inevitably be made between the two. If GTA Online undergoes a reset, there will likely be less content available at launch compared to GTA 5. In either scenario, fans are likely to be disappointed.
Rockstar Games hopes for the same longevity with GTA 6 that GTA 5 has enjoyed, just as Bethesda hopes players will have multiple playthroughs of Starfield like they did with Skyrim. However, the release timing of both GTA 5 and Skyrim was vastly different from the current landscape of social media and fan expectations.
Managing Expectations
While it may be difficult, it is important to temper expectations for GTA 6 and appreciate the game for what it is, rather than lamenting what it could have been. Enjoy the game for its own merits and try not to get caught up in unrealistic expectations.
| Game | Release Date | Score |
|---|---|---|
| GTA 5 | 2013 | 9/10 |
| Starfield | 2021 | 8/10 |
| GTA 6 | TBA | TBD |
Source: DOTESPORTS
