GTA 6 Leaked To Bring Back RDR2's Controversial Map Restrictions

New speculation circulating about Grand Theft Auto 6

Might reignite a very heated debate among anxious fans over restrictions known only too well because of the maps of Red Dead Redemption 2. The game's key art indicates possible story-driven restrictions in parts of the early narrative, as protagonist Lucia is spotted wearing an ankle bracelet under house arrest a nod to the locked-down Blackwater region in RDR2.

The Ankle Monitor Theory

RDR2 initially banned players from roaming Blackwater in further chapters thanks to validity in the story, making it one of the most unforgiving in open-world terrain. The tattoo of ankle monitor on Lucia gives the impression that right at the launch Vice City might suffer the same fate during the game's initial stage of exploration. The 2023 reveal trailer confirmed Lucia's confinement, implying that Rockstar might use her parole status to permit limited movement.

Discussion about the issues on Reddit revealed quite the mixed reactions, with more than 200 comments:

• Critics: “Map limits slaughtered RDR2 fun: let's explore!”
• Favourers: “Immersion with narrative matters! Trust Rockstar's vision.”

Is Jason Set Free?

Now there's speculation if Lucia is limited because of her ankle monitor, will there be any freedom of movement for co-protagonist Jason from the starting point? You could fully roam around the entire map in GTA 5; however, earlier titles in the series like San Andreas couldn't access certain areas until later in the game. The company's final choice of strategy here could define the balance of GTA 6 between storytelling and outright sandbox craziness.

Rockstar's Track Record

• RDR2: regions were gated along the narration and did enhance immersion at that but annoyed completionists.
• GTA 4: Liberty City opened up gradually as Niko Bellic's story was progressing.
• GTA 5: No restrictions from the beginning.

Implications

While Rockstar has said very little, this ankle monitor theory may also point to Rockstar's narrative-driven design philosophy. If GTA 6 indeed has the largest map in the series, then such overwrought restrictions may be exactly what the more traditional fans would love to see.

Game Link: rockstargames.com