Almost three decades of Rockstar maps. Patterns emerge.
The pattern of growth
Each generation pushed scale, density, or both. GTA 1 to 3: 2D to 3D. 3 to SA: ambition jump. SA to IV: density jump. IV to V: ambition + density. V to 6: density jump in particular.
What hasn't changed: the protagonist-and-city relationship, the gradual map reveal, the satirical voice.
What GTA 6 represents
Probably the densest single Rockstar city ever shipped. Probably the most detailed wildlife in a GTA. Continuation of the V design with Florida coding and contemporary period.
Not a revolution - an evolution. Which is fine.