Nearly 30 years' worth of Rockstar maps. Trends show themselves.

The pattern of growth

Every generation leaped in scale, density or both. GTA 1 to 3: 2D to 3D. 3 to SA: an ambition leap. SA to IV: a density leap. IV to V: ambition + density. V to 6: especially a density leap.

Things that have endured: tying the hero to the city, pacing the map discovery, the satirical tone.

What GTA 6 represents

Likely the densest single Rockstar city ever released. Probably the most intricate wildlife in a GTA. A continuation of the V pattern, with Florida styling and a modern-day setting.

Evolution, not revolution. Which is perfectly all right.