A Polygon opinion piece imagines alternative settings for GTA 6 instead of Vice City, arguing that whilst Rockstar's choice makes sense, the series could benefit from breaking away from its familiar formula of large, morally corrupt American cities. The writer contends that other locations, time periods and even genres could allow Rockstar's trademark social satire to shine in fresh ways.

The list includes a futuristic moon settlement inspired by The Expanse, a struggling rural American town in the vein of Far Cry 5, and London, as a chance for UK-based studios to turn their satirical lens on home soil rather than America. Other suggestions include an L.A. Noire-style detective narrative, a Baldur's Gate-inspired fantasy version dubbed "Grand Theft Dragon," and a setting in first-century Rome exploring political corruption through the eyes of enslaved Britons or Carthaginians, among further entries not detailed in the extract provided.