‘We Just Have to Be Careful What We Pick’: GTA 6 Won’t Include Covid or Trump References That Could Become Dated, Rockstar Says
Rockstar Games is being selective about satirical references in Grand Theft Auto 6 to ensure the game remains culturally relevant for years to come. Rob Nelson, head of development at Rockstar, explained that the studio is exercising caution when choosing which recent events and political issues to parody.
The cautious approach stems from GTA 6’s exceptionally long development cycle, which began in 2015. Nelson emphasized that with such extended production timelines, the team must ensure satirical elements “stand the test of time” rather than becoming outdated. This means avoiding highly specific political references and topical memes that could quickly lose their relevance or resonance.
Rockstar specifically identified topics it will avoid, including the Covid-19 pandemic and references to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Current-event references, according to Nelson, date too quickly and risk making the game feel stale or disconnected from audiences as years pass after launch.
This decision reflects the challenge facing developers who want to create satirical commentary on contemporary American culture—a core element of the GTA franchise. Set in Leonida, a fictional state based on Florida, GTA 6 aims to deliver meta-commentary on modern U.S. society. By focusing on enduring aspects of American culture rather than fleeting topical moments, Rockstar hopes to create satire that remains sharp and culturally relevant well beyond its release.