GTA 6 could see the return of iconic characters via cameos

Although GTA 6 marks a new beginning for the Rockstar Games franchise, the cameos of characters from previous installments could play a role in the continuity of the universe.

A new start, but enduring connections

GTA 6 promises to be an entirely new adventure, with a story distinct from that of GTA 5. The game takes place in the fictional state of Leonida (inspired by Florida), and whose largest city is Vice City (parodying Miami), and follows a couple of criminals, Lucia and Jason, in a narrative inspired by Bonnie and Clyde. This new chapter moves away from the exuberant tone of GTA 5 to adopt a more realistic and darker style, tackling themes like immigration and crime. However, although GTA 6 seems to be an autonomous entity, it is common in the franchise for the American studio Rockstar Games to integrate references and cameos of characters from previous installments, thus creating subtle links between the games. This suggests that familiar characters could appear, even occasionally, without disrupting the main story.

Cameos in GTA: a well-established tradition

Cameos have always been part of the saga's DNA GTA. In GTA 5for example, we found characters like Packie McReary and Johnny Klebitz, from GTA 4in secondary roles, bringing a touch of continuity while maintaining the independence of the different episodes. This practice continued in GTA Onlinewhere characters from GTA 4 such as Gay Tony, Brucie and Steve Haines returned. Even the characters of GTA: San Andreaslike CJ and The Truth, have had in-game mentions and cameos. Likewise, in Red Dead Redemption 2a nod to Johnny Klebitz of GTA 4 was inserted via a mission where a character wears a Lost Motorcycle Club gang jacket. These appearances help maintain a connection between games while providing players with an original experience, without requiring in-depth knowledge of older titles. Although the protagonists of GTA 5 and those of the older opuses belong to distinct “universes” (3D and HD), Rockstar Games was able to mix the two in a clever way, making possible the appearance of figures like Michael, Franklin or Trevor in GTA 6but probably in a more subtle way.

A return of Michael, Franklin and Trevor?

The actors of GTA 5Ned Luke (Michael), Shawn Fonteno (Franklin) and Steven Ogg (Trevor), have repeatedly expressed their appreciation for Rockstar Games, with whom they maintain an ongoing relationship, including through promotional events and appearances in GTA Online. This opens the door for their characters to potentially return in GTA 6although their role is likely limited to cameos or side missions. The fact that the history of GTA 6 takes place after the events of GTA 5 reinforces the idea that their characters may still be present in some form. Michael, for example, might be involved in the production of a movie in Vice City, Franklin might come on business, and Trevor, while hard to imagine in such a luxurious setting, might make an appearance in the city's more rundown neighborhoods. city, as the trailer suggests.

A minor but significant role

Although it is highly likely that Michael, Franklin and Trevor will appear in GTA 6their role will probably be minor and limited to secondary interactions. Rockstar Games has always favored stories centered on new characters to ensure a fresh and captivating experience. Cameos from past characters, such as those from GTA 4 In GTA 5have always been carefully integrated so as not to disrupt the main plot. In this logic, it is probable that the protagonists of GTA 5 will not occupy a central place in the history of GTA 6. They could be integrated in the form of side missions or one-off events, thus providing a wink to fans without interfering with the development of new characters. Rockstar Games will know how to balance these appearances so as not to diminish the impact of the main story while satisfying player expectations.