Developers of GTA 6 visited strip clubs, bars, and nightclubs on Rockstar’s dime

The developers of GTA VI traveled to Florida for several years to more accurately recreate the region in the game. Rockstar employees visited bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs, spent time on beaches, explored the Everglades and the Florida Keys, and drove through neighborhoods at night with former police officers.

This was shared by Rockstar’s Senior Vice President of Narrative, Rupert Humphries, in an interview with Game Informer. According to him, the studio tried not to limit itself to tourist spots and aimed to get a firsthand impression of the different neighborhoods, people, and lifestyles of South Florida. Rockstar paid for these research trips for its employees, including drinks and entertainment at local venues, as all of this was considered part of the work on the game.

The developers also interacted with local residents, studied the culture, crime, and police operations, and traveled through swamps and mangroves. According to Humphreys, the team tried to experience literally everything that could later be incorporated into GTA VI.

The collected materials were used to create the fictional state of Leonida, its inhabitants, dialogue, criminal plots, and overall atmosphere. Rockstar was particularly interested in the contrasts between wealthy and poor areas, different communities, and the environment. Humphreys noted that the story of GTA VI is structured to guide Jason and Lucia through various parts of the state, with crime and corruption serving as the threads that connect these locations.

This approach also extended to the development of NPC. Residents of Leonida will vary in height, build, and other physical features, while tattoo styles are tied to specific regions and communities. Rockstar assigned a dedicated team to handle dialogue for non-player characters.

GTA VI will be released on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.