Grand Theft Auto lore is divided into distinct canonical eras: the 2D Era (GTA 1 & 2), the 3D Era (GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas), and the modern HD Universe (GTA IV, GTA V, and now GTA VI). While characters from the 3D era do not directly cross over due to canon separation, the shared cultural mythology, legacy brands, and historical Easter eggs tie Vice City seamlessly into the modern HD timeline alongside Niko Bellic, Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips.
1. The HD Universe Timeline: 2008 to 2026
Grand Theft Auto VI takes place in the contemporary mid-2020s, over a decade after the chaotic events of GTA V's 2013 Los Santos heists. Throughout the State of Leonida, players will discover direct references and corporate connections to events in Liberty City and San Andreas:
- Los Santos Corporate Cartels: Major corporations established in GTA V—such as FlyUS Airlines, Maze Bank, eCola, and Sprunk—feature massive commercial headquarters and advertising campaigns across downtown Vice City.
- The Madrazo & Vepucci Drug Cartels: Dialogue references link South Florida narcotics transit pipelines directly to Martin Madrazo's cartel operations in Southern San Andreas.
- FIB & IAA Ongoing Rivalry: The covert shadow war between the Federal Investigation Bureau (FIB) and International Affairs Agency (IAA) continues to play out in Leonida’s state politics.
2. Historical Eras & Canonical Continuity Comparison
| Canonical Era | Signature Titles | Primary Setting(s) | Lore Relationship to GTA VI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Era (2001-2006) | GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas | Liberty City, Vice City '86, San Andreas '92 | Mythological inspiration & brand heritage |
| HD Era (2008-Present) | GTA IV, GTA V, GTA VI | Liberty City 2008, Los Santos 2013, Leonida 2026 | Direct chronological canon & shared universe |
3. Environmental Storytelling & Legacy Radio Hosts
Longtime radio voices, satirical talk show hosts, and legendary fictional commercial jingles return across Leonida’s radio airwaves, providing continuity that rewards longtime franchise enthusiasts while delivering a bold new playground for the next generation of gamers.