As the gaming world counts down to the May 26, 2026, release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), anticipation is at fever pitch. Rockstar Games’ open-world epic, set in the sun-soaked, Miami-inspired state of Leonida, has been the subject of relentless speculation, fueled by a series of leaks that have both thrilled and frustrated fans. One of the most recent revelations, circulating widely on platforms like X and gaming forums, claims that the prone movement mechanic—a crawling feature spotted in 2022’s massive data breach—has been scrapped from the final game. While this cut has sparked heated debate, the leaks also hint at a wealth of innovative gameplay features that could redefine the GTA experience. From a sprawling map with over 700 enterable stores to a dynamic character-switching system, here’s what the latest leaks reveal about GTA 6 and what’s next for Rockstar’s ambitious title.
The Prone Mechanic: A Cut That Stings
In September 2022, a hacker known as “teapotuberhacker” unleashed one of the biggest leaks in gaming history, posting over 90 videos and screenshots of GTA 6’s early development build on GTAForums. Among the footage was a clip of protagonist Jason Duval crawling prone, a first for the GTA series. The mechanic, reminiscent of stealth-focused titles like Call of Duty or The Last of Us, fueled speculation about enhanced tactical gameplay, with fans envisioning stealth missions, realistic firefights, and role-playing scenarios. However, recent leaks from a credible insider known as GameRoll, who accurately predicted Jason and Lucia’s full names, confirm that the prone feature has been axed.
According to GameRoll, the prone mechanic was deemed “clunky” and misaligned with the game’s fast-paced flow, leading Rockstar to remove it. The decision has divided fans. On X, users like @EvanNemesis1312 argue that prone movement could have added depth to combat and stealth, lamenting its loss as a missed opportunity for innovation. Others, like @rockstationonx, support Rockstar’s choice, suggesting the mechanic didn’t gel with GTA’s signature chaotic energy. Reddit threads on r/GTA echo this split, with some users speculating that prone sections might have required mission redesigns to prevent exploits, such as crawling under obstacles to “cheese” objectives.
Rockstar’s history of cutting features that don’t meet their exacting standards—such as the ledge-grabbing mechanic from GTA IV or dynamic cover systems seen in early GTA 6 leaks—suggests the prone removal was deliberate. Yet, the cut raises questions about how GTA 6 will balance realism with accessibility, especially as competitors like Mafia: The Old Country lean into grounded mechanics. For now, fans are left to wonder if stealth will still play a significant role or if Rockstar is doubling down on the series’ run-and-gun roots.
A Massive World: 700+ Stores and Functional Malls
While the prone feature’s absence stings, the leaks paint a picture of a staggeringly immersive world that could overshadow such cuts. GameRoll claims GTA 6’s map, centered on Vice City and spanning Leonida’s diverse regions like Grassrivers, Ambrosia, and Port Gellhorn, will feature over 700 enterable stores and fully functional shopping malls. This dwarfs the interactivity of GTA V, where enterable interiors were limited to a handful of shops and safehouses. The malls, described as bustling hubs with working stores, hint at a living, breathing economy where players can rob, shop, or simply soak in the satire of 2020s consumer culture.
The leaks also highlight vertical exploration, with skyscrapers featuring working elevators and underwater areas teeming with treasure and secrets. These additions align with Rockstar’s promise of “the biggest, most immersive evolution” of the GTA series, as stated in their 2023 newswire post. X posts from @GTASixInfo amplify the hype, noting that Vice City is the largest city in the game, dwarfing secondary locations like Port Gellhorn. Fans on Reddit speculate that this scale could support dynamic side activities, from coordinated heists to impromptu NPC interactions, reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption 2’s rich environmental storytelling.
Dual Protagonists and Tactical Gameplay
One of GTA 6’s most tantalizing features is its dual-protagonist system, starring Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, a Bonnie-and-Clyde-inspired duo navigating Leonida’s criminal underworld. Leaks suggest a revamped character-switching mechanic with three modes: solo Jason, solo Lucia, or a “dual control” mode for synchronized actions like robberies. This system, teased in the 2022 leaks showing Lucia and Jason robbing a diner, could introduce cooperative gameplay layers unseen in prior GTA titles.
GameRoll claims the dual mode allows players to coordinate strategies, such as having Jason case a store while Lucia preps a getaway vehicle. Each protagonist also has unique abilities: Jason’s “Deadeye”-style slow-motion targeting, inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2, and Lucia’s high-damage one-shot attack, adding tactical depth to combat. While a co-op feature for online play remains unconfirmed, a Reddit user’s analysis of 2022 leaks suggests it’s plausible, potentially making GTA 6 a historic leap for the series.
The leaks also reveal a limited weapon wheel, similar to Red Dead Redemption 2, where players can’t carry an arsenal on their person. Extra weapons must be stashed in vehicle trunks, forcing strategic loadout decisions. This realism extends to a “relationship bar” akin to Red Dead’s honor system, where NPC reactions vary based on player actions, and a returning six-star wanted level with smarter police AI. These mechanics suggest GTA 6 aims for a more grounded, consequence-driven experience than GTA V’s chaotic sandbox.
Cut Content: What Else Didn’t Make It?
The prone mechanic isn’t the only feature left on the cutting room floor. GameRoll’s leaks, corroborated by X posts from @Dexerto and @GTAVI_Countdown, list several scrapped elements: dual-wielding weapons, a burglary mini-game, full nudity scenes, and the ability to listen to music outside vehicles. A rumored Disney World parody, long speculated to satirize Florida’s theme park culture, was also debunked. These cuts have sparked concern among fans, with Reddit user ZealousTaxful writing, “This list of leaks makes GTA 6 sound like it has so much more development to do.”
However, others argue that Rockstar’s pruning reflects their commitment to polish. The absence of dual-wielding and nudity may streamline combat and align with modern content standards, while the lack of a burglary mini-game could shift focus to larger heists. The music restriction, though odd given Jason’s AirPods in trailers, might prioritize radio stations’ cultural impact, featuring genres like Latin trap and drill. X user @GTASixJoker’s leaked gameplay clip, quickly removed, showed smooth driving mechanics, suggesting Rockstar is prioritizing core systems.
Story and Tone: A Grounded Narrative?
The leaks offer glimpses into GTA 6’s story, structured in five chapters, one fewer than Red Dead Redemption 2. GameRoll claims trailers so far cover only the first three chapters, leaving the second half—potentially the “criminal conspiracy” teased in Trailer 2—unspoiled. Earlier leaks hinted at scrapped storylines, including a crooked cop and a drug smuggler, suggesting Rockstar refined the narrative to focus on Lucia and Jason’s personal journey.
The game’s tone, described as more grounded than GTA V’s absurdity, will parody 2020s American culture, from influencer antics to “Florida Man” memes. Leaks mention weight mechanics, where player choices affect character appearance, and NPC interactions like greeting or antagonizing, adding role-playing depth. Jason’s pet iguana, which players can feed, hints at lighthearted moments amid the crime saga.
What’s Next for GTA 6?
With a year until launch, GTA 6’s development is likely in its final stages, but leaks suggest Rockstar is still refining mechanics. The third trailer, expected in late 2025 or early 2026, could showcase gameplay, addressing fan concerns about cut content. Industry analysts predict GTA 6 will generate over $1 billion in preorders, with its May 2026 release poised to dominate the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S markets. A PC release, potentially delayed to 2027, remains unconfirmed.
The prone mechanic’s removal may disappoint some, but GTA 6’s ambitious scope—700+ stores, dual protagonists, and a living world—promises to set new benchmarks for open-world games. As X user @GtaIv24751162 cautions, “Nothing is concrete,” urging fans to temper expectations. Until Rockstar speaks, the leaks fuel a speculation train that shows no signs of slowing. Whether GTA 6 lives up to the hype or stumbles under its weight, one thing is clear: Vice City’s return will be unforgettable.
Last Updated on: Monday, June 30, 2025 6:02 pm by Shashivardhan Reddy | Published by: Shashivardhan Reddy on Sunday, June 22, 2025 11:27 am | News Categories: Entertainment, Technology
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