A reader has voiced concerns that GTA 6, despite its impressive graphics and vast open world, is missing a crucial element: humor. In a reader feature published by GameCentral, Harley Dalton argues that the recent gameplay reveals, while visually stunning, failed to deliver the wit and engaging dialogue that have defined Rockstar's most beloved titles.
Graphics Impress, but Innovation Questioned
Dalton acknowledges the technical achievements on display. The game, reportedly costing between $1 billion and $3 billion over more than a decade of development, showcases incredible draw distances, detailed interiors, and diverse character models. However, he notes that the extended gameplay reveal felt like classic GTA—car chases, gunfights, and store robberies—without significant innovation beyond what GTA 5 offered.
Despite this, Dalton is not overly concerned about the lack of new gameplay systems. He points to the enduring popularity of GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, stating that the core loop of shooting, driving, and exploring in a Rockstar title remains satisfying.
The Missing Humor in GTA 6's Dialogue
The primary worry for Dalton is the absence of humor in the previews. He contrasts this with previous Rockstar games, where characters like Trevor Phillips and Lamar Davis provided cutting, chaotic, and extravagant jokes. Even drier characters like Franklin Clinton or Arthur Morgan had humorous moments, such as Arthur's impatient interplay with lazy camp members.
In the GTA 6 preview, the best attempts at humor were a stale joke about Lucia taking long to get ready and a streamer asking his chat for advice during a carjacking. Dalton describes the dialogue as functional and matter-of-fact, delivered with a po-faced, almost apathetic tone. He notes that the opening scene, where Jason and Lucia walk through a gang hideout repeating lines to nondescript NPCs, is tedious, and the villain's most sinister line is, 'It is what it is.'
Concerns Over Rockstar's Recent Writing
Dalton points to GTA Online as evidence that Rockstar's writing has declined in recent years, with annoying characters and cringeworthy humor. He argues that GTA 6, as a flagship launch, should deliver the best writing the studio can produce. On current evidence, he fears the game will fall flat and be, in his words, 'boring.'
The reader feature concludes with Dalton's hope that the full release will prove him wrong, but he remains skeptical based on what has been shown so far.
