Why GTA 6 Online protagonist should be able to speak

Rockstar Games hasn't mentioned anything about GTA 6 Online (Grand Theft Auto 6's potential multiplayer mode) so far. However, seeing the success that its predecessor's multiplayer, GTA Online, achieved, the upcoming Grand Theft Auto title is expected to have one.

Needless to say, a successor should improve upon the original in many ways, and one important aspect to consider in this case is the silent protagonist.

Much like Grand Theft Auto 3's lead character, Claude, the player's character in GTA Online does not speak at all. This article will discuss why the GTA 6 Online protagonist should. Read on to know more.

Note - This article is subjective and only reflects the writer's opinions and analysis.

A speaking protagonist in GTA 6 Online could improve the overall experience

The GTA Online protagonist sits quietly and just nods on most occasions (Image via Rockstar Games)

GTA Online's gameplay does not follow a singular narrative like GTA 5's story mode does. However, there are missions and character interactions during cutscenes as well as phone calls at various points.

The protagonist not responding verbally to anything that's being said to them or happening around them makes these segments awkward. This happens every single time a new DLC comes around. Rockstar adds a new business or a mission campaign, players get to the introductory cutscene, and their character stays silent as all the exposition is provided.

Check out: Why GTA 6 shouldn't rely on Rockstar Games Launcher

Now, things have worked this way so far without any major problems, but that doesn't mean that a change isn't required. A speaking protagonist in these situations could result in more enjoyable interactions with different characters.

It could improve immersion to an extent, make the narrative compelling, and help players connect with the online protagonist on a much deeper level, just as they do with story mode protagonists.

A speaking protagonist can ensure better immersion for players (Image via Rockstar Games)

This can even benefit GTA 6 Online from the perspective of longevity. If we take the time that has gone into the development of the title into account, including the delay from Fall 2025 to May 2026, a potential sequel, perhaps Grand Theft Auto 7, seems incredibly distant at the moment.

So in the meantime, a speaking protagonist with more in-depth arcs and narratives, continued with regular DLCs, could keep players a lot more entertained than GTA Online has.

Having said that, Rockstar's plans regarding its next title are mostly under wraps. So, exactly how GTA 6 Online turns out, something which has yet to be announced, remains to be seen.

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About the author

Suyash is an Esports and Gaming journalist at Sportskeeda who specializes in Rockstar Games' GTA franchise. Suyash uses in-depth research and knowledge of his immense experience with the game series to ensure readers have access to the most reliable information. His insightful content pieces have raked in more than 5 million views in just a little over a year's time.

Suyash holds a B.Tech degree and ventured into the world of gaming at a young age through the Prince of Persia Sands of Time trilogy. However, upon encountering GTA Vice City’s 1980s aesthetic, music, and vintage cars, he became enamored with the game, leading him to explore the rest of the franchise.

Suyash prefers solo titles to multiplayer, especially ones with a well-crafted story and character arcs. He admires journalist Jason Schreier for the respect he commands in the industry and the reliability of his news pieces. To ensure the accuracy of his own pieces, he checks multiple reputable sources and insiders.

If he were to recommend a game to a skeptic, it would be Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series. When he’s not roaming the streets of Los Santos in GTA V, you can find him playing football, watching movies, or working out.

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Edited by Ritoban "Veloxi" Paul