GTA 6 may trade smooth gameplay for stunning looks

As anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI continues to build ahead of its 2026 release, one lingering question has sparked widespread discussion: will the game run at 60 FPS on consoles? With Rockstar’s latest trailer showcasing breathtaking visuals—from detailed character models and densely packed environments to hyper-realistic lighting—some fans are beginning to wonder if current-gen hardware can keep up.

Former Rockstar Dev Explains Why 30 FPS Might Be Better for Grand Theft Auto VI

Former Rockstar Games developer Obbe Vermeij recently joined the conversation on social media, sharing his perspective on the potential trade-off between visual fidelity and frame rate. When asked why Grand Theft Auto VI might struggle to hit 60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X, Vermeij responded:

“It’s a trade-off. At 30 fps, you can render twice as many polygons compared to 60 fps. For a competitive action game, you’d always go for the high frame rate, but for GTA, you might prefer the visual details.”

His comment aligns with Rockstar’s long-standing design philosophy—pushing the boundaries of realism, even if it means sacrificing performance. In a game rumored to feature dynamic weather that affects NPC behavior, advanced water physics, and evolving landscapes in the massive state of Leonida, a locked 30 FPS might be the practical choice to support all those systems without compromise.

For many players—especially those focused on storytelling and immersion—a visually rich experience could outweigh the desire for ultra-smooth gameplay. Rockstar made a similar decision with Red Dead Redemption 2, which was limited to 30 FPS on consoles yet still praised for its cinematic quality.

Still, fans hoping for 60 FPS haven’t lost all hope. A PC version of Grand Theft Auto VI is likely to arrive after the console launch, offering more performance options for those with high-end setups. If you're already planning your return to Vice City, make sure to use our price comparison tool to find the best deals on Grand Theft Auto VI across all platforms when the game opens for pre-order.