Fans should expect Grand Theft Auto 6 to aim for laughs, and the writers have a treasure trove of potential at their disposal. The Grand Theft Auto series has never fully taken itself seriously, and there are countless examples to prove that. Grand Theft Auto 6 already looks likely to follow that course by the absurdity that has already been seen in its two trailers so far. The best part is that Rockstar has access to a readily available source of jokes to help in this endeavor. Even better, they're the kind that the game's fans would almost certainly appreciate.
The satire seen in Grand Theft Auto is a consistent presence throughout the series. In many places, from the game's radio, to random environmental elements, up to entire characters and missions, players can find something being satirized. In a sense, the Grand Theft Auto games have based a lot of their identity on poking fun at many aspects of society. In Grand Theft Auto 5 alone, the writers got a few shots at celebrity culture and the people surrounding it in particular with characters like Beverly and Nigel & Mrs. Thornhill. It wouldn't be a GTA game without some aspect of modern society getting skewered. However, Rockstar can also poke fun at the past by parodying its own work in the Red Dead Redemption franchise.
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Grand Theft Auto 6 Can Make Good Use of Classic Rockstar Memes For Humor
Grand Theft Auto 6 Will Likely Keep the Series' Comedic, Satirical Style
There's a chance for Grand Theft Auto 6 to get serious, especially with Lucia and Jason's romantic relationship looking to play a major role. However, even if that is the case, it's unlikely that GTA's sillier side would fade out entirely. After all, the series already went in a darker, more serious route once before with Grand Theft Auto 4, and even that game had funny characters like Roman and Brucie. Considering how bleak that game could get, it's a good sign that GTA will never truly abandon its more satirical aspects, even if Grand Theft Auto 6 ends up being tragic.
Many GTA and Red Dead Redemption Moments Have Become Well-Known Memes
One good source for GTA 6's comedy could come from Grand Theft Auto's greatest memes, as well as some from Red Dead Redemption. Rockstar games have seen several memorable moments take off online, including:
- Lamar roasting Franklin from Grand Theft Auto 5
- Roman's request to go bowling in GTA 4
- Dutch's insistence on his plan from Red Dead Redemption 2
- Uncle's lumbago gag from Red Dead Redemption 2
- CJ's opening comment from GTA: San Andreas
- Big Smoke's order from GTA: San Andreas
These could be referenced in several ways, from background gags to characters or mission moments. After all, Rockstar's own catalogue is a perfect source to pull references from.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Would Need to Be Careful When Reusing Old Jokes
GTA 6 would have to be careful with using Rockstar's own memes. Grand Theft Auto's sense of humor can be hit or miss even before becoming self-referential. If a reference feels too forced, then a lot of the impact of the joke will be gone. Likewise, trying to include too many references could end up seeming self-indulgent. The key will lie in placing these jokes where they would have the maximum impact, and making sure to avoid oversaturating the game with them. It may take some balancing, but with the right approach, it could lead to some of Grand Theft Auto 6's funniest moments.
Memes from other Rockstar games can be fair game for Grand Theft Auto 6. By the time Grand Theft Auto 6 finally releases, many of Rockstar's classic memes will likely still be remembered by fans due to their longevity online. That means that they could very well be excellent fodder for jokes in the upcoming game. Of course, it will takes proper comedic timing to make them land properly, but as long as the jokes are well-crafted, Grand Theft Auto 6 could have a gold mine of comedy that includes witty commentary on the present day alongside silly nods to the studio's legacy.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- November 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
WHERE TO PLAY
Grand Theft Auto VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series yet.
Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.
