In all the interviews and new bits by Rockstar Games about Grand Theft Auto 6, “detail” is the oft-repeated goal. You can see it in the attention paid to the new Wanted system, how human NPCs react to your actions, and even in the visuals. But that applies to non-humans as well – specifically the wildlife, as revealed in Game Informer’s new cover story.
And if you enjoyed the sheer amount of animals and species in Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 6 ups the ante significantly. Over 170 species, including 60+ types of birds, over 30 land mammals, manatees, flamingos, pelicans, alligators, and more await. That also means several species that are brand new, not just for the series but for Rockstar’s games overall. They’re divided into different categories, including Discoverable, Rare and Legendary. Suffice to say, expect a few surprises, since the developer doesn’t want to reveal them all ahead of time.
“Florida has a diverse animal ecosystem that we wanted to faithfully include across the different biomes in Leonida – urban and rural environs, aquatic life both inland and ocean, and the wetland habitats like the swamps and Everglades. The animal art and population teams are incredibly passionate about delivering animals that are accurately researched and look visually correct in every respect, alongside the supporting movement and animation to bring them to life,” says Michael Kane, Rockstar VP of dynamic art.
Marine life is also extensive, especially with all the sharks, jellyfish, whales and whatnot lying in wait beneath the water’s surface. Rockstar has gone the extra mile to ensure that each species is realistically detailed – besides “iridescence, bioluminescence, translucency, and feather types,” you can expect fully simulated fur and new hair systems. If that wasn’t enough, Kane says that fur allows for “human-to-animal interaction with dirt matting and clumping in environmental contexts, including getting wet, as well as color and coat variations,” Kane explains.
Head here for more details on Grand Theft Auto 6’s various regions or check out the latest screenshots here. It’s out on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PS5.
