Early details about Grand Theft Auto 6 have sparked debate among fans over whether Rockstar Games has pushed realism too far in its upcoming open-world title. Co-development lead Rob Nelson told content creator TGG that non-playable characters will react far more realistically to weapons than in previous instalments, with visible guns prompting alarm, police warnings and escalating tension depending on how they are carried. Nelson said the change reflects the "behavioural sophistication" needed for the game's population, contrasting it with GTA 5, where players could brandish weapons freely without any reaction from bystanders.

The shift echoes the grounded tone of Red Dead Redemption 2 rather than the chaotic sandbox style associated with GTA 5, dividing opinion online between fans welcoming deeper immersion and those joking the game may become overly restrictive. Nelson also confirmed a separate realism-focused addition: petrol stations will let players refuel and repair vehicles, a mechanic new to the GTA series, with refuelling described as quick and inexpensive. GTA 6 is due for release in November, following a 13-year wait since GTA 5.