Game Informer’s September issue (issue 382) places the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI on its cover, positioning the title as the biggest game of the year, the decade and possibly of all time. The 14‑page cover story includes exclusive interviews with several lead designers at Rockstar Games, who discuss how the studio recreated a fictional Florida parody called Leonida and the technical work that went into the game’s world‑building.
Cover Story Highlights
The feature opens with original artwork commissioned by Rockstar, depicting the game’s protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. The illustration is presented as a collector’s item for both Game Informer readers and GTA fans. Accompanying the artwork are twelve new, exclusive screenshots that showcase additional locations, citizens and visual details of Leonida.
According to the interviewed designers, Rockstar focused on a realistic portrayal of Florida’s climate by implementing advanced weather systems that simulate less sunny phenomena typical of the region. The developers also emphasized the “staggering amount of wildlife” that populates Leonida, ranging from land‑based animals to birds and marine life, all intended to make the environment feel alive and authentic.
Rockstar’s research process involved extensive study of Miami and broader Florida culture to ensure the game’s aesthetic and cultural references are accurate. The designers described this effort as a “never‑before‑shared” aspect of the project, aimed at delivering the most lifelike representation of a Florida‑inspired setting to date.
Other Features in Issue 382
Beyond the Grand Theft Auto VI spread, the issue offers a range of previews and interviews. Editor‑in‑chief Matt Miller reports on a recent Gamescom visit and conducts a conversation with Invoke Studios about their dark fantasy action title Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons, including a video interview with voice actor Maggie Robertson. Senior associate editor Wesley LeBlanc shares insights from playing Persona 4 Revival and from a trip to China where he tested the Arthurian‑inspired action game Tides of Annihilation.
Comedian Mike Drucker contributes a feature that humorously examines what makes a “good” bad game, while executive editor Kyle Hilliard interviews Stranger Things star and musician Finn Wolfhard about his favorite Pokémon titles and video‑game soundtracks.
The issue also previews several upcoming releases, such as a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Metroid Ravenous, State of Decay 3, Mega Man: Dual Override, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, and Final Fantasy VII Revelation. A stacked reviews section provides initial impressions of titles like Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Marvel’s Wolverine, Star Wars Zero Company, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, and Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.
Readers can access the Grand Theft Auto VI cover story digitally on September 29, with the print version arriving in subscribers’ mailboxes and bookstores in the weeks that follow. Game Informer offers a print subscription that delivers ten issues per year to more than 50 countries. The GT‑VI issue will be available for a limited time, prompting the magazine to encourage new subscriptions to secure a copy.
Overall, the cover reveal underscores the cultural significance of Grand Theft Auto VI and highlights Game Informer’s extensive coverage of the gaming landscape, from major releases to niche industry insights.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
