Rockstar Games has said it established a dedicated research team in Miami for Grand Theft Auto 6, alongside sending several developer groups to the city and surrounding areas over the past decade. The studio says the work is intended to make its Florida-inspired setting feel more immersive and culturally observant, rather than relying solely on familiar stereotypes such as the “Florida Man” meme.

Developers told Dazed they consulted ex-criminals, police, club promoters, gun dealers and other notable local figures, then compared those accounts with books and journalism. Rockstar is also expanding the variety and local specificity of non-player characters, drawing on places including Little Cuba and Mount Kalaga National Park, while research has covered Miami’s music, nightlife and fashion scenes. Miami-based stylist Jillian Carr has worked with the studio since 2023 on an in-game fashion ecosystem reflecting the city’s status, wealth and individuality.