After a long wait and years of speculation, Rockstar has announced it is working on the next entry in theGrand Theft Autoseries. Though no details surrounding the game have been released, this has not stopped fans from trying to figure out where the game will be set, who the protagonists will be, and what new featuresGrand Theft Auto 6will bring to the series. After the astronomic success ofGTA 5, it is understandable whyGTA 6is so highly anticipated.
Although it may not be initially obvious, there are a few parallels thatGrand Theft Auto 6shares withBethesda’sThe Elder Scrolls 6. Gamers have been waiting on both titles for a very long time, so much so that it seems impossible for the games to live up to the expectations that have been built up.
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Fans Are Eagerly Awaiting GTA 6 and Elder Scrolls 6
Grand Theft Auto 5was originally released in September 2013 on the PS3 and Xbox 360. At the time, the game was a technical marvel offering a detailed world to explore, as well as the novel ability to switch between three unique protagonists:Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Because the game was released just months before the PS4 and Xbox One, it is understandable that the game received next-gen re-releases.
For many,GTA 5’s remaster is impressive, as it includes a first-person mode that makes the game more immersive. However, as time has progressed, people have begun to crave the next entry in theGTAseries. Consequently, when Rockstar announced thatGTA 5would be receiving another release for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, it was met with a barrage of dislikes. There is no denying thatGTA 5has had an unusually long lifespan, especially considering the gap between previous entries. BeforeGrand Theft Auto 6, the longest wait took place betweenGTA 4andGTA 5- about five years and four months passed.GTA 6is well on its way to doubling that.
The Elder Scrolls 6finds itself in a similar position toGTA 6.The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimwas originally released in November 2011 on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. The game is praised for the freedom its open world offers, its addictive loop, and the expressive combat. Since 2011, it has been re-released on numerous platforms including VR and current-gen consoles. Though the game has continued to be successful, largely thanks to its replayability, gamers have been ready for anewElder Scrollsgamefor years.
In many ways, the long wait putsRockstar and Bethesdain a good position, as it means they have a huge customer base ready to purchase their upcoming games as soon as they hit store shelves. However, the studios also have to contend with expectations that have had years to grow. It will take nothing but masterpieces to ensure gamers feel like the wait was worth it.
GTA 6 and The Elder Scrolls 6 Have to Succeed
Rockstar is a studio with a big reputation to uphold. It made waves in the gaming industry withGTA 3, which popularized the open-world genre and pushed boundaries thanks to its controversial content. Since then, the studio has come to be known for delivering intricately designed games with plenty of content. Although Rockstar is best known for theGTAseries, otherfranchises from RockstarincludingRed Dead,Midnight Club, andMax Paynehave also earned themselves loyal fanbases.
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In recent years, Rockstar’s reputation has taken a blow thanks to the release of theGrand Theft Autotrilogy remaster, which many felt was subpar. Although several patches have been released to address performance and technical issues, the damage has been done. To reclaim its position as one of the best studios in gaming, Rockstar will have to ensureGTA 6is nothing short of perfect.
Bethesda also finds itself managing a near-legendary reputation. TheElder Scrolls 5is regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, while theFalloutfranchise features many iconic FPS games. Led byTodd Howard, Bethesda has successfully imprinted itself into the gaming world and, as a result, its releases are met with great scrutiny.
The gaming world received a shake-up whenMicrosoft acquired Bethesdafor $7.5 billion. This was part of Microsoft’s continued push to expand its gaming sector and increase the number of first-party studios it owns. While some are pleased with the acquisition, believing Microsoft’s deep pockets will help Bethesda produce better games, others are worried that the acquisition will only result in Bethesda’s creativity being stifled.
WithThe Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda has an opportunity to prove doubters wrong and demonstrate that the acquisition serves to benefit both developers and fans. This can be done by avoiding the pitfalls many are expecting, such as the inclusion of intrusive microtransactions, and ensuring that the game improves on everything that made its predecessors great. However, should Bethesda fail to meet expectations, it could result in gamers losing faith in the studio and blaming it on the acquisition.
Grand Theft AutoandThe Elder Scrollsare cornerstones of gaming, and new releases in either franchise are always a celebration. The next entries in both franchises are highly anticipated, as seen by the number ofrumors surroundingGTA 6andThe Elder Scrolls 6. WithGTA 6, Rockstar finds itself in a similar position to Bethesda, as both studios will have to produce impeccable games if they wish to please their fanbases after waiting for years.
The next entry in theGrand Theft Autoseries is currently in development.
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