Key information
Rockstar Games spent years experimenting with alternatives to the classic weapon selection interface for GTA 6. According to journalist Jason Schreier, who spoke with developer Rob Nelson, the studio ultimately reverted to the familiar weapon wheel used in GTA 5 after various prototypes failed to meet expectations.
The development team sought to integrate the realistic weapon limitations found in Red Dead Redemption 2. However, applying these constraints to the traditional wheel design resulted in empty screen space, prompting designers to test tray and grid-based interfaces before abandoning those concepts entirely.
This design struggle was part of a broader internal challenge between 2019 and 2022, as the studio attempted to balance Red Dead Redemption 2's realism with the chaotic action typical of the GTA series. The prolonged indecision reportedly caused frustration among some staff, leading to departures from the company.
Despite retaining the classic wheel, GTA 6 will feature a restricted arsenal and new NPC reactions to visible weapons. The title is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
