U.S. gamers frequently ask: When did GTA 6 start development? and How long has GTA 6 been in development? Understanding the timeline helps appreciate the game’s scope and the efforts behind Grand Theft Auto VI.
Early Concept: Pre-Production After GTA V
The seeds for GTA 6 were planted shortly after the release of GTA V in 2013. Rockstar began exploring ideas for the next installment—codenamed “Project Americas”—as early as 2014. This pre-production phase included conceptual discussions, story exploration, and early design concepts..
Full-Scale Development: In Earnest Since 2020
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that when Rockstar said GTA 6 begun development in earnest, that meant true, full-scale production kicked off in 2020—after Red Dead Redemption 2 shipped in 2018.
Hands-On: Developer Confirmation (2018–2023)
Ex-Rockstar environment artist David O’Reilly revealed he worked on GTA 6 from 2018 through 2023, right after finishing work on Red Dead Redemption 2.
We went onto it (GTA 6) after we wrapped up on RDR2 David O’Reilly
This indicates that significant development work, including graphics, world-building, and foundational design, was underway by 2018—even before full development ramped up.
Will GTA 6 Be on Xbox Series S?
Yes — Will GTA 6 be on Xbox Series S? Absolutely. Rockstar’s official platforms and store listings (e.g., Xbox product page and wishlist) confirm that Grand Theft Auto VI will be available on both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S at launch. ([turn0search9], [turn0search7])
Is GTA 6 Coming to Xbox Series X?
Similarly, Is GTA 6 coming to Xbox Series X? — 100%. GTA 6 is confirmed as a next-gen exclusive, and Xbox Series X is one of the two consoles (alongside PS5) on which the game will officially launch.
What This Means for Xbox Series S Owners
Despite being the less powerful sibling, Xbox Series S will run GTA 6, though settings will likely be scaled back. Analyst reports suggest:
Resolution targeting 720p, upscaled to 900p–1080p
Stable 30 FPS, with reduced graphical fidelity Quotes like “It’s already confirmed for Xbox Series S … Also says ‘Xbox Series X/S’ on the official website.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed the Series S version won’t pose any performance issues: Our teams will optimize the game per platform to deliver an excellent experience.
Technical Trade-Offs Expected
Fans across Xbox Series S subreddits have shared balanced takes:
It will run, but expect fewer NPCs, pop-in, lower-res textures—still a playable experience.
In short, GTA 6 Series S owners should prepare for downgraded visuals—but gameplay, story, and world size will remain intact. A top-voted Reddit post on r/GTA6 predicts approximately 130–140 GB, noting Rockstar’s compression techniques.
Another Reddit discussion estimates at least 150 GB on day one, potentially growing to 250–300 GB over time with updates and DLC.
Industry outlets offer similar figures:
A recent report estimates the final download size will be just under 200 GB.
PC storage requirements are being cited at 200 GB of SSD space in several early spec lists.
Why GTA 6 Will Be So Large:
Like modern AAA titles, GTA 6 combines. A massive open world, spanning Vice City, Keys, swamps, and more High-resolution textures, ray tracing, and advanced physics
Expansion content (online multiplayer, DLC, updates)
All of these features demand significant storage space, similar to other large-scale games like Red Dead Redemption 2 (~120 GB) and GTA V next-gen (~95 GB).
What Will the Graphics of GTA 6 Be Like?
GTA 6 graphics, GTA 6 FPS, and what graphics engine does GTA 6 use are some of the biggest questions on every U.S. gamer’s mind as Rockstar prepares to launch Grand Theft Auto VI. Based on official trailers, insider reports, and tech leaks, it’s clear Rockstar is aiming for a new gold standard in open-world visuals.
A New Level of Visual Realism
Rockstar has confirmed that GTA 6 is being built on the RAGE 9 graphics engine, the latest evolution of their proprietary technology. This engine supports cutting-edge features like real-time ray tracing, dynamic global illumination, advanced weather systems, and photorealistic water physics. perfect for Vice City’s coastal environment. The GTA 6 graphics improvements are designed to make environments feel alive, with small details like wind moving through palm trees and realistic reflections in puddles after rain.
Expected GTA 6 FPS Performance
While final optimization details aren’t yet official, tech insiders suggest that GTA 6 FPS targets will vary by platform:
PS5 / Xbox Series X: Likely aiming for 60 FPS in performance mode and 30 FPS in fidelity mode with full ray tracing.
Xbox Series S: Expected to offer a performance mode closer to 1440p at 60 FPS with reduced visual effects.
PC: Will likely push beyond 60 FPS for high-end rigs, with ultra settings potentially requiring RTX 4080+ or equivalent GPUs.
Trailer Footage as a Benchmark
The December 2023 reveal trailer already showed an unprecedented level of detail for an open-world title—crowded beaches, neon-lit streets, realistic traffic AI, and micro-expressions on characters’ faces. Analysts point out that the lighting, foliage density, and texture quality suggest that GTA 6 graphics will surpass Red Dead Redemption 2’s already impressive visuals.
Future-Proof Visuals
Because Rockstar tends to support their titles for a decade or more, they’re designing GTA 6 graphics to scale upward with future hardware. That means PC players can expect new texture packs, higher-resolution assets, and post-launch graphical upgrades. Consoles may also see enhanced versions mid-generation, similar to GTA V’s jump from PS3 to PS4 to PS5.
Final Take for U.S. Players
If you’re wondering what graphics engine does GTA 6 use, it’s RAGE 9, delivering the most advanced visual experience in Rockstar’s history. Expect GTA 6 FPS to hit 60 on performance modes for consoles, while high-end PCs will push even higher. Visually, it’s shaping up to be a landmark release one that will redefine open world immersion for years to come.
Will GTA 6 Be Available on PlayStation 4?
Rockstar confirmed that GTA 6 is being built for next-gen hardware only, specifically PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The main reason is that the PS4, despite being one of the best-selling consoles ever, simply doesn’t have the power to handle the massive GTA 6 map, advanced graphics engine (RAGE 9), and new features like real-time ray tracing and complex AI systems.
Even though fans ask, Will GTA 6 be on PS4?, Rockstar has made it clear they want to push the boundaries of what’s possible in open-world gaming, something the PS4’s decade-old hardware can’t deliver.
What Options Do PS4 Owners Have?
If you’re still on PS4, you won’t be able to play GTA 6 natively. That said,, there are a few workarounds:
Upgrade to PS5: The only guaranteed way to play GTA 6 is by upgrading. With PS5 stock now much more available in the U.S., this is the best long-term move.
Final Word for U.S. Gamers
So, is GTA 6 on PS4? No, it won’t be released for the older generation. If you’ve been wondering if GTA 6 will be on PS4, the answer is clear—it’s a next-gen experience only. For the full experience, upgrading to a PS5 or preparing your PC build is the way to go if you want to step into Rockstar’s most ambitious world yet.