Details have emerged about the potential launch of GTA 6, with early reports indicating that Rockstar Games is planning a regional rollout rather than a worldwide one, which would have dramatic effects if true.
A regional launch is when a game comes out at a certain time, but that time (for you) is determined by where you live. Whereas a worldwide launch ensures everyone on the planet gets to play at the same time. Early information suggests GTA 6 is going down the regional route, which will give some areas potentially a 24-hour advantage over other parts of the world.
GTA 6 Playable in New Zealand First
You might have heard of the classic ‘New Zealand trick,’ which applies to many games. This workaround fools your console or device into thinking you’re based in New Zealand, even if you’re in Europe, for example, and lets you play a game that launches first in New Zealand.
Geography dictates playability, and in many cases, the good folks of New Zealand get to jump to the front of the queue.
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First discovered by GTAVice, the PlayStation Store has been updated to show regional launches for Grand Theft Auto 6 across the board.
If I go to my local PS Store in the UK, this is what shows for me.
GTAVice claims that the game will release ‘beginning in New Zealand and progressing through 15 release windows across 19 hours.’ Midnight in New Zealand means players in America could be as much as 18 or 19 hours behind.
Again, this could be a placeholder status, as Rockstar Games has yet to officially reveal whether it will be a regional rollout or a simultaneous worldwide launch. Hopefully, it’s the latter, and then the risk of spoilers and people potentially having content ruined before they even get a chance to play.
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If it is New Zealand up first, then you might have to enforce the New Zealand trick and get playing no matter what time it is where you are!
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Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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