'GTA VI' release date rumor: Next installment to feature mix of previous 'GTA' locations?

Twitter courtesy of Rockstar Games

While developer Rockstar Games has yet to confirm a sequel, many fans are already expecting a "Grand Theft Auto VI" to be in development. Meanwhile, speculations about the much-anticipated installment continue to float online.

According to the latest rumors, Rockstar Games is planning some big surprises for "GTA VI," and one of these will be a massive map containing all locations of previous "Grand Theft Auto" titles.

Crossmap reported that supposed "leaks" from Reddit placed Rockstar Games to be thinking of combining all previous maps into one big mix for the upcoming "GTA VI" installment. The leak added that the world map for the next title will at least feature the San Andreas territory, Las Venturas, and San Fiero.

Although there was no mention of other locations, if the leak has some truth to it, players may also see familiar sites such as Liberty City and Los Santos, the most recent backdrop for "Grand Theft Auto V."

Meanwhile, Gospel Herald stated that fans might need to wait until 2018 to see some confirmed details about "GTA VI," if not a full version release of the game itself. According to the industry follower, Rockstar Games took at least five years or so in developing its "Grand Theft Auto" titles, as seen in the timeline between the development of "GTA IV" and the current one, "Grand Theft Auto V." If the developer will have the same schedule, fans might see the next "Grand Theft Auto" title as early as 2018, almost five years after the current "GTA V" release in 2013.

Aside from the huge map, another speculation that keeps on floating online is that Rockstar Games will also make "GTA VI" to be the first in the franchise to come out with a female lead character. The latest rumors suggest that actress Eva Mendes might portray the role.