'GTA 6' release rumors: Protagonist, location, release date

The main protagonists for "Grand Theft Auto V."Rockstar

Although big-name industry developer Rockstar Games is still keeping mum about any information on the next "GTA" title, rumors about "Grand Theft Auto VI" remain alive. "GTA V" is still the current title plot-wise but fans keep on asking when the next story will unfold. 

Different rumors surround the "GTA VI" title, and much of the speculations center on its story, characters, and the location. According to some fans, a direction that the next game needs to take is to introduce a female lead — if not the main protagonist, then a woman crew member with a story-wide exposure and airtime. Reportedly, Rockstar Games was already toying with the idea, particularly with introducing the protagonist in a title with multiple main characters, much like the current "GTA V." 

Meanwhile, another rumor that keeps cropping up is where Rockstar Games will take the next "Grand Theft Auto" story. According to some fans' wish list, it will be good to re-introduce all the locations in previous "GTA" titles in one continuous, massive open-world exploration title. Others, however, feel like a location that is based on a real-world U.S. city, even London – much like the historical London of "Assassin's Creed: Syndicate" – will serve "GTA VI" best. 

Rockstar Games has not confirmed nor denied anything that has been heard regarding "Grand Theft Auto VI," and industry experts take this silence to mean that the upcoming title is still far into the horizon. As the developer continues to focus on the updates and maybe a DLC or two for the current "Grand Theft Auto V" title and its online multiplayer option, hardcore fans might have to wait until early 2017 or even 2018 to see the next installment in the franchise.