Rockstar has suggested that GTA 6 probably won’t feature some key Florida attractions, such as Disney World and SeaWorld.
As part of a recent Game Informer cover story on GTA 6, Rockstar Games seemed to suggest that its fictionalized version of Florida, known as Leonida, won’t include every iconic staple of the sunshine state. Game Informer asked Rockstar’s senior vice president of environment art, Paul MacPherson, about some key attractions like Disney World, Seaworld, and Universal Studios, and how they would be integrated into the game. MacPherson suggested that not all of those locations will be featured in GTA 6, as they’ve had to be selective about what they include for the sake of narrative and game design, but maintained that the endgoal is to replicate the true Florida experience.
“We have to constantly evaluate the diversity of landscapes, towns, structures, landmarks, vistas, plant species, rock formations and everything else before we work with design and narrative to distill a list down that best works with and serves the game’s needs,” he said. “So, while we may not have those exact locations, everything we have is geared to getting that full Florida experience!”
Rockstar didn’t rule out any specific locations, but the comment does suggest that you won’t find every major attraction in GTA 6. GTA 5 allowed players to explore the Venice Beach Boardwalk, which featured the pier and its various activities. Players could ride a rollercoaster and a ferris wheel, but generally speaking, it wasn’t anything to write home about. There’s no reason to do it more than once, and as a result, building an entire park around something like that may not be the best use of development resources.
The game will, however, feature a zoo for players to explore. Animals are a big part of GTA 6, as the game will include over 170 different kinds of critters, including rare and legendary breeds which can be studied. There will be unique places to explore in-depth, even if there aren’t any theme parks. Rockstar also spent an extensive amount of time in Florida, researching the area by living it directly. The studio confirmed that it even visted strip clubs and night clubs as part of its research.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s news team. He covers all things entertainment, including gaming, film, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.
