Rockstar apparently didn't just conduct research for GTA 6 from behind a desk. In an interview with LOVE Magazine, Aaron Garbut, Head of Development and Co-Studio-Head of Rockstar North, recounts a rather wild research trip to Florida – complete with a helicopter and a chance Beyoncé concert.
What Did Rockstar Say About the Helicopter Flight Over Miami?
Garbut reports that he and some art directors spent a day "literally hanging out of a helicopter" to film the Everglades and the city from above. The crew flew low and fast over mangrove coves and high above downtown and the beach. Eventually, the helicopter hovered over a stadium where a concert was underway. As it turned out, it was Beyoncé. Garbut believes the team made it into the local news the next day.
Such footage forms the basis for Vice City and its surrounding areas to appear so credible. Rockstar's focus on capturing the most authentic impressions aligns with what we recently reported: The studio intends to make no compromises on the level of detail, and according to previous reports, every NPC is supposed to have their own backstory.
When Did the Flight Take Place – Already in 2016?
The community did the math. A Reddit user found two Beyoncé concerts in Miami that could fit: one on June 25, 2014, and another on April 27, 2016. According to GamePro, news reports about the helicopter could not be found. However, an overview of filming permits for Miami surfaced. For April 26, 2016, "Take Two Interactive Software. New York. Rockstar. Countywide, Miami Beach citywide" is listed there.
This strongly suggests that this is indeed the flight in question. It's not proven, and Rockstar has not confirmed the date. If it's true, the studio would have conducted research in Miami for GTA 6 around ten years ago – and hardly anyone would have noticed the clue.
What Does This Mean for GTA 6 Fans?
There are no concrete new game details here; it's more of a charming anecdote. However, it does show how long development has been underway and how much effort is being poured into the setting. From our perspective, this is precisely why fans so often latch onto small details from Rockstar: Every glimpse into the game's development is eagerly absorbed.
Source: GamePro
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