'GTA 6' release date rumors: Rockstar working on 'GTA 5' sequel, game studio once considered Japan setting

"GTA 6," the long-waited follow-up to "GTA 5," is allegedly in the works.Rockstar

Rockstar is already hard at work on "GTA 6," according to a report by Tech Radar. The publication claims that the developer also came close to using a Tokyo setting for a "GTA" installment.

Back when "GTA 3" was the biggest title in the franchise, which was more than 10 years ago, Rockstar was reportedly into the idea of integrating the Japanese location in the game.

They went so far as to fly to Tokyo and check the place out to effectively recreate it in the planned "GTA" title. However, upon discovering the "problematic" road system in the city, Rockstar chose to scrap the idea altogether.

But with "GTA 6" reportedly in the works, it is still possible that Rockstar will revisit the Tokyo setting and integrate it the way they always planned more than a decade ago. If the report is accurate, Rockstar must have come up with ideas on how to pull it off, too.

In 2003, Rockstar applied for patents for the titles "GTA: Tokyo," "GTA: Bogota" and "GTA: Sin City," which are all yet to see the light of day.

In addition, rumors have been flying around about "GTA 6" taking place in Japan's capital city although there were reports on a possible London setting as well.

While work on "GTA 6" is ongoing, Tech Radar says that Rockstar is yet to settle on a location. While there's no way of knowing the accuracy of these claims, it is entirely plausible that the game studio is now putting "GTA 6" together.

"GTA 5" was initially released in 2013. This September will be the game's third anniversary. Although Rockstar has been busy putting out DLCs for the game, it is highly likely that it is gradually redirecting its focus on "GTA 5."

"GTA 6" is expected to feature the largest map in the franchise, a more realistic combat and a female protagonist that actress Eva Mendes is rumored to portray.