The anticipation surrounding *Grand Theft Auto VI* (GTA VI) reached a fever pitch this week as Rockstar Games developers sat down for a rare interview on March 25, 2025, shedding light on the highly awaited sequel. With a release slated for late 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the team offered tantalizing details about the crossover timeline between *GTA V* and its successor, alongside a surprising revelation about the game’s pricing that has left fans buzzing. As the gaming community dissects every word, the interview—conducted by a prominent gaming outlet—marks one of the most significant updates since the first trailer dropped in December 2023, confirming the return to Vice City and introducing protagonists Lucia and Jason.

The developers disclosed that *GTA VI* will pick up roughly 12 years after the events of *GTA V*, set in a modern-day rendition of the fictional state of Leonida. This timeline places the game in 2025, aligning with its real-world release year and reflecting a significant leap from *GTA V*’s 2013 setting in Los Santos. “We wanted to explore how the world has evolved,” said lead designer Sarah Mitchell during the interview. “The crossover isn’t just about time—it’s about culture, technology, and the way crime has adapted.” Fans have long speculated about connections between the two games, especially given *GTA V*’s enduring popularity through *GTA Online*. The developers hinted at subtle nods, like returning characters in altered roles and a transformed landscape influenced by a decade of in-game progress, though they stopped short of confirming specifics like Franklin, Michael, or Trevor’s involvement.

This 12-year gap opens up a wealth of storytelling possibilities. The first trailer showcased a Vice City pulsing with social media satire and contemporary chaos, from viral twerking drive-bys to alligator-wrestling locals. The developers explained that this jump allows them to satirize the 2020s—think influencer culture, cryptocurrency heists, and drone-based crime—while maintaining the series’ signature blend of absurdity and grit. “It’s a natural evolution,” Mitchell added. “The world of *GTA V* feels nostalgic now, and we’re excited to push into a future that’s both familiar and uncharted.” For fans, this crossover timeline suggests a fresh yet connected narrative, bridging the gap between the two titles without relying solely on nostalgia.

Perhaps the bigger shock from the interview was the pricing reveal. Rockstar announced that the base version of *GTA VI* will launch at $59.99—the lowest price point for a major AAA title in years—defying industry trends where $70 has become standard and speculation had pegged *GTA VI* as high as $100. “We’re keeping it accessible,” said producer James Carter. “This game’s scale is massive, but we want everyone to experience it day one.” The decision stunned fans, especially given reports of a $2 billion development budget, one of the highest in gaming history. Social media erupted with reactions, from “Rockstar’s playing 4D chess” to “$60 for THIS? Take my money now!” The move seems strategic, aiming to maximize initial sales and bolster *GTA Online 2.0*—rumored to launch alongside the single-player campaign—with a robust player base for microtransactions.

The developers emphasized that this price applies to the standard edition, with premium editions likely climbing higher for extras like early access or exclusive in-game content. Still, the $59.99 tag has sparked debate. Some see it as a masterstroke to undercut competitors and dominate the 2025 holiday season, while others wonder if it hints at a shorter campaign bolstered by post-launch updates—a model Rockstar has perfected with *GTA Online*. Carter addressed this, promising “a complete, meaty story” at launch, with plans to expand Leonida over time via free updates, including new cities and missions. This approach mirrors *GTA V*’s longevity, which has sold over 195 million copies since 2013, largely thanks to its ever-evolving online component.

The interview also touched on the game’s scope, with the map of Leonida described as “the biggest we’ve ever built,” dwarfing Los Santos and drawing inspiration from Florida’s diverse geography—urban sprawls, swamps, and beaches included. Leaked footage from 2022 and a recent March 23, 2025, map leak corroborate this, showing a sprawling 125-160 square kilometers packed with detail, from enterable buildings to dynamic wildlife. “Every object has a purpose,” Mitchell noted, hinting at interactive environments that react to player choices, a step up from *GTA V*’s already impressive sandbox.

As *GTA VI* nears its fall 2025 release, this interview has only heightened the hype. The 12-year crossover timeline offers a fresh canvas while honoring the franchise 5-6 transition fans have clamored for, while the $59.99 price point has fans rethinking their budgets. Rockstar’s silence since the trailer had fueled speculation, but this interview—combined with recent leaks—suggests they’re ready to deliver a game that could redefine the series once again. With *WrestleMania 41* in gaming form on the horizon, the WWE Universe of gamers is ready to step back into Vice City—and at a price that’s got everyone talking.