GTA 6 Previews: Rockstar Avoids Direct Trump, COVID Satire
New previews say Grand Theft Auto 6 will not directly address Donald Trump's political rise or the COVID-19 pandemic, as Rockstar pursues satire that won't date.
New previews of Grand Theft Auto 6 report that the game will not directly address Donald Trump's rise to political power or the COVID-19 pandemic, according to coverage of the previews. Rockstar Games is aiming for satire that stays timeless rather than tied to specific current events.
Rockstar North studio head Rob Nelson said the studio avoids satirizing very specific political issues or memes because they date quickly. The approach extends to language as well, with the studio steering clear of contemporary slang.
Earlier this summer, Nelson told The New York Times that Rockstar risks dating itself by referencing real-world events and instead seeks timeless human folly. Previews from outlets including IGN echoed that framing, noting the game's satire is built to outlast the headlines.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is set for release on Nov. 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Quick answers
When does Grand Theft Auto 6 come out?
Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for release on Nov. 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Will Grand Theft Auto 6 satirize Trump or the COVID-19 pandemic?
According to new previews, the game will not directly address Donald Trump's rise to political power or the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why is Rockstar avoiding specific political satire in Grand Theft Auto 6?
Rockstar North studio head Rob Nelson said the studio avoids very specific political issues or memes because they date quickly, aiming to keep the game feeling timeless.