'GTA' 6 Release Date, News: New 'Grand Theft Auto' Very Different? How Microtransactions Success, Benzies Departure May Affect Las Vegas Future

"GTA 6" of the Rockstar Games franchise may see the success of "Grand Theft Auto V" - "GTA Online" microtransactions and the departure of former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies play the determining factor in the new game. Reports indicate that "GTA 6" may be vastly different from previous releases of "Grand Theft Auto" affecting even plans for its new map, which reportedly leans toward either Las Vegas or Bogota.

The well-publicized lawsuit of former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies against the "GTA" developer may indicate the future for the series. News of the "GTA" lawsuit broke in January by Kotaku.

Rockstar Games, in turn, made a statement that Leslie Benzies had been on sabbatical and decided not to return to the company. Benzies' position, however, was that he was owed up to the value of $150 million of royalties for "GTA."

'GTA' Brings Home The Bacon

The vast amount of money the "GTA" brand traditionally generates is only part of the story. Gamers have been showing the most interest, not in the usual story component, but in the online feature of the latest iteration of "Grand Theft Auto V" - "GTA" Online.

New Sabre Turbo coming to #GTAOnline 4/19
20% off properties, 2X RP Playlists & more nowhttps://t.co/WxpQqQd0yG pic.twitter.com/oj5xrTBw6g

— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) 15 April 2016

The latest documents on the "GTA" lawsuit, as reported by Gamespot, indicate that microtransactions from "GTA" Online have generated in the region of $500 million for Rockstar Games. "Halo 5" by comparison, brought in $1.5 million in microtransactions.

The Future of 'GTA' At Stake?

Forbes points out that such an easy earner for Rockstar Games, as well as Benzies' departure may significantly alter the trajectory for "GTA 6" and "Grand Theft Auto" as a whole. Some are already suggesting that these numbers are what are causing Rockstar Games from releasing the story driven "GTA" DLC, as they did with "Grand Theft Auto" IV and "Liberty City Stories."

Eva Mendes Signing On For 'GTA 6'?

To this point news on the "GTA 6" map point to London, Bogota and the US - specifically Las Vegas as contenders. A female lead, pointing to Eva Mendes, is purported to be a welcome change among fans, but is believed to lack marketing strength on its own. Hence a male counterpart, in the person of "Drive" star Ryan Gosling, is believed to be a candidate alongside Eva Mendes.

The "GTA 6" release date is being tagged to coincide with the release of PS5 and Xbox 2. However, other reports claim that "GTA 6" may see a release that will coincide with PS4.5. Stay tuned to Parent Herald for more updates on the "GTA 6" release date.