GTA 6 set for new "ahead of its time" Rockstar engine, says report

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to feature a new graphics engine from Rockstar Games that has been built to challenge the current industry standard. 

As shared by Rockstar Mag founder Chris Klippel (via Twitter), a new version of the developer's graphics engine – known as RAGE9 – is expected to be utilised for the next GTA with the technology described as "ahead of its time". The goal of Rockstar Games is to build an engine that will be able to "outperform" Unreal Engine, which was developed by Fortnite maker Epic Games. 

Considering that Grand Theft Auto V launched in September 2013, a leap in graphics for GTA 6 seems inevitable but this does seem a major jump, if true. Rockstar has historically always looked to push hardware to its limits with GTA V being designed as a PS3 and Xbox 360 game, so this report seems believable. 

We also know that GTA 6 is in "active development" after Rockstar finally confirmed the game's existence earlier this year, so that hopefully means it won't be another nine years before we hear more details. 

"Obviously, the new version of the graphics engine of #RockstarGames (RAGE9) which will be used for #GTA6 is likely to be quite incredible," wrote Klippel (via Google Translate). "I was able to get very positive feedback, we really shouldn't be disappointed on this point. We are talking about an engine ahead of its time."

Furthermore, when pressed for more details on how it will compare to Unreal Engine, he said: "Apparently the goal is to outperform the Unreal Engine. They are capable of it, we will see if they can do it." 

This isn't the first set of details shared by Klippel, with the leaker previously sharing that the GTA 6 shouldn't be expected until 2024 at the earliest and why there's a chance it might be set in two time periods. 

To keep up with all the latest news, rumours and everything else, head to the official T3 GTA 6 hub – including why October is the most likely month of the year that we'll likely find out more.