Ever since the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) was even teased, let alone confirmed, fans have been speculating and salivating in anticipation about what could be received.
We already know that we’ll have to remain patient, as the game isn’t due for release until the Fall of 2025. It’s almost been a year (December 2023) since we were treated to an exceptional trailer, but we’ll have to wait a little longer for the full game.
One area that many will have already speculated about will be in regard to the mini-games that could be included. The GTA franchise has been packed with various little games that add a further element to the gameplay. There have been many additions that have allowed the game to be experienced for longer, or at the very least, provide something different from the main game and the story that is used.
Mini-games we’d like to see be brought back or introduced
As we’ve all had plenty of time on our hands, it’s been easy to think about the mini-games that could be introduced or brought back. As highlighted, we’re pretty confident that they could add an extra dimension to the gameplay, elevating the experiences that GTA promises to bring with each instalment and giving GTA 6 the perfect platform for success (although that’s likely to be guaranteed)…
Pool
Pool was made available to play as a mini-game in GTA: San Andreas and GTA 4. It wasn’t included in GTA 5, which was disappointing as it was incredibly detailed in the iterations before it. If there is anything that can be done to improve it, it would be to make it slightly easier, but it still provided players with plenty of fun when it was possible to play.
Casino
The introduction of a casino would be a great idea for GTA 6. We saw the arrival of a casino in GTA Online, and it proved to be an instant hit with players. Interestingly, real online casinos, like Spin City, offer many of the same types of games that players enjoy, such as roulette, blackjack, and slots. As detailed in this Spin City casino analysis, the online platform replicates the excitement of a brick-and-mortar casino, providing an immersive experience for users. Incorporating similar features in GTA 6 could provide players with a different kind of entertainment between missions, allowing them to enjoy the thrill of real casino games within a virtual world.
Tennis
A mini-game that was heavy in detail in GTA 5, tennis does appear to be returning in some form in GTA 6. It’s possible to spot what looks like a tennis court in the trailer, and given how great it was in GTA 5, it’d be a surprise if the developers decided against using it again.
Basketball
Basketball was a popular mini-game in San Andreas, as you could control CJ and shoot hoops. You haven’t been able to do that in any other titles since, but it does appear that we could finally see it return in GTA 6. Leaks are suggesting it might be possible to play 3v3, which may have seen bolstered popularity recently due to its appearance at the 2024 Olympics.
Fitness
A mini-game that has been heavily requested by players for ages, a fitness-themed mini-game would be a brilliant addition to GTA 6 that we’d like to see. The main character of the game could use a gym or various equipment to make themselves healthier and stronger. This could allow them to then achieve certain things, just like exercise can in reality. With players continually seeking immersive and real experiences in their gaming, a fitness aspect can be a great addition – as long as it doesn’t take six months for changes to be visible!
We should be able to expect plenty
It wouldn’t be a surprise if we were to see a variety of mini-games be added to the main stories and gameplay of GTA 6. We already know that we’ll be heading to the state of Leonida, which is supposedly the home to Vice City. Perhaps this will mean that we’ll see the return of many of the mini-games that were available in this cult classic?
It’s also suggested that the budget for GTA 6 is approximately $2 billion. This should mean that no stone is left unturned, which will likely involve mini-games, especially as Rockstar Games has a habit of providing them in many of their other iconic game franchises…