The gaming community is abuzz with anticipation as Rockstar Games prepares to launch Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) on November 19, 2026. Yet, intriguingly, speculation about GTA 7’s setting is already making rounds despite GTA 6 not even being in players’ hands yet. While the next installment in the iconic series is still a ways off, there have been significant clues and informed predictions about where GTA 7 might take players. This article delves into those details and what they suggest about the future of the series.
Unexpected Reveals Before GTA 6 Release
Before GTA 6 officially releases, gamers have witnessed a surprising number of new releases and announcements that many did not expect to receive beforehand—including trailers for big titles like The Witcher 4, the return of classic hardware like the Virtual Boy, and games such as Hollow Knight: Silksong. This list of surprises has been impressively substantial, setting a high bar for the gaming year ahead.
The GTA 7 Setting: What We Know So Far
One revelation that has caught many off guard is the early confirmation of the potential location for GTA 7. While not officially announced by Rockstar Games, insights from industry insiders have narrowed down possibilities for the next-next Grand Theft Auto, pushing hopeful fans to speculate on its geographical backdrop. Given the typical development cycle, GTA 7’s release is likely far off—possibly not arriving before 2042, according to fan jokes and industry humor.
Where Will GTA 7 Take Place?
Historically, most Grand Theft Auto games have taken place in fictional locations inspired by real American cities and states. For example, Vice City draws heavily from Miami and Florida, Liberty City mirrors New York City, and Los Santos is based on Los Angeles.
The franchise has only once broken away from a U.S.-based setting: 1999’s GTA: London. Since then, all entries have remained as uniquely American as ever.
According to Obbe Vermeij, a former technical director at Rockstar Games who contributed to titles such as Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA 4, the tradition looks set to continue. In an interview with GamesHub, Vermeij expressed his belief that GTA 7 will stay firmly within American borders.
He noted, "It’s just not realistic. I would love it and if games still took a year to make, then yeah, sure, you can have a little fun, but you’re not going to get that when there’s a GTA every 12 years. You’re not going to set it in a new location. You don’t really need to either, because the technology changes so much. Nobody is going to say that they’re not going to play GTA 6 because they’ve already played Vice City. It doesn’t make sense. It’s completely different. They’ll revisit New York again. They’ll go back to LA or maybe Las Vegas. I’m afraid we’re stuck in this loop of about five American cities. Let’s just get used to it."
Why Staying In America Makes Sense For GTA 7
Vermeij’s point reflects a practical perspective on game development and franchise evolution. Developing games like GTA 7 involves vast resources, and choosing a familiar American city allows Rockstar to leverage existing technologies, cultural details, and player expectations. The rich history of American urban environments offers nearly endless storytelling and gameplay possibilities without the complexity of creating brand-new international settings.
This ongoing focus on American cities does not mean GTA 7 will lack freshness or excitement. Each new installment reinvents its setting with advanced technology, immersive narratives, and engaging mechanics, ensuring returning locations feel new and captivating.
GTA 6: The Gateway to GTA 7
Before we get too far ahead, it’s important to remember that the community’s focus should primarily be on the imminent release of GTA 6. Rockstar Games has a history of extending the lifespan of its titles; the massive success of GTA 5 and GTA Online saw the latter continuously updated over many years, setting players’ expectations high for GTA 6’s longevity.
Given this context, realistically, the next entry—GTA 7—is a distant event. GTA 6’s launch will provide vital insights into the franchise’s direction, technology evolution, and potential narrative themes, which will undoubtedly influence any decisions about GTA 7’s setting and gameplay features.
What Fans Can Expect
The core appeal of the Grand Theft Auto series has always been its immersion in American crime culture through sprawling metropolitan backdrops. Fans can expect GTA 7 to continue delivering rich, open-world experiences set in iconic yet fictional American cities, innovating with storytelling and gameplay technology while maintaining the series’ roots.
Speculation remains a favorite pastime among fans, and the gaming press will continue to analyze every clue, developer trend, and past setting as GTA 7 slowly takes shape behind the scenes.
Conclusion
While GTA 6 is just around the corner, the future of the series already intrigues fans with hints about GTA 7’s setting likely remaining in America. According to industry insiders like Obbe Vermeij, the tradition of American-inspired cities will continue, revisiting familiar locations such as New York, Los Angeles, or even Las Vegas. For now, gamers should focus on enjoying GTA 6 and all it has to offer, knowing that the franchise’s legacy and innovation remain strong.
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