As the gaming community counts down to the 10th anniversary of GTA 5 on September 17, 2023, anticipation for its sequel, GTA 6, has reached a fever pitch. According to insiders, Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive plan to unveil the much-awaited title before this year comes to a close. However, rumours about what to expect have caused a stir, particularly surrounding the involvement of podcast host Joe Rogan.
Last year, early development videos emerged, showcasing new characters, gameplay mechanics, and locations around Vice City for the upcoming GTA 6. Despite this glimpse into the game, many details remain shrouded in mystery.
A particularly divisive rumours is the involvement of Joe Rogan and his podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience. A credible source close to Rockstar Games reportedly told Audioviser that in-game radio stations would feature episodes of Rogan’s podcast. However, these episodes would be carefully curated to fit the GTA universe rather than function like a regular podcast feed.
Fans are torn on the topic. “I see them making fun of him, maybe making a character that’s inspired by him,” one fan opined. Another added, “This has to be satire, although I feel like the devs would make a podcast that mimics the stuff that happens in Joe Rogan’s podcasts.”
It’s worth noting that Rockstar Games has a history of celebrity inclusion in its GTA series. For instance, Frank Ocean has his own ‘Blonded’ radio station in GTA 5, and Dr. Dre has made appearances in GTA Online missions. Moreover, the original Vice City featured Phil Collins performing live.
Given the history and the scope of the GTA series, the potential inclusion of Joe Rogan should not be immediately dismissed. Yet, without official confirmation from Rockstar Games, gamers should approach all leaks and rumours with scepticism. As the adage goes, don’t believe everything you hear—especially when it comes to the nebulous world of video game leaks.