‘We Are Nervous!’ — Rockstar Knows the Pressure on GTA 6 to Be a Success
It feels like the whole world is waiting to play GTA 6. And Rockstar knows it.
Ahead of the extended look that just debuted on Netflix, IGN had the chance to visit the developer and talk with Rob Nelson, co-studio head at Rockstar North. Upon us mentioning just how each new Grand Theft Auto feels like a global cultural moment, he replies with a laugh, “No pressure.”
“I try not to think about it,” Nelson continues. “You’re aware of it, of course. But I think we just have to try and make something that we feel is innovating on what we’ve done previously, evolving it while still making it feel familiar.”
Rockstar knows that each and every scrap of information revealed about GTA 6 is analysed with a fine-tooth comb, and this recent extended look is certainly no different, as we’re given our biggest insight yet into the world, characters, and gameplay of this revisit to Vice City. It means each frame needs to be perfect, with every detail bound to be made into a list feature revealing new secrets about the game — exactly something we’ll be doing ourselves.
“It’s a hard thing,” Nelson explains. “As much pressure as we feel externally, I don’t think it can compare to the pressure we put on ourselves as a team. Everyone wants things to be perfect. We are nervous! Nervous, of course, but also excited to see how people respond to this video and then ultimately the game. It is definitely a step forward in all respects for us – the size of the world, and how deep it feels. It’s a bit of a shock when you get in there, and you see the density of the traffic, the density of population, and the fidelity of their responses to you.”
While we don’t as of yet know just how many people have pre-ordered GTA 6 ahead of its November 19 launch, we do know that the majority of players have opted for the more expensive $100 ultimate edition than the standard one. The boss of the game’s publisher, Take-Two, has described that price as a “bargain” as “Rockstar Games is known for over-delivering.” You can see why Nelson and company may well be feeling that pressure.
Simon Cardy is a Senior Editor at IGN who can mainly be found skulking around open world games, indulging in Korean cinema, or despairing at the state of Tottenham Hotspur and the New York Jets. Follow him on Bluesky at @cardy.bsky.social.