Game Informer issue 382 went live on September 29 with a 14-page Grand Theft Auto VI cover story and 12 new screenshots. The digital issue was made free in the Game Informer app after reader complaints about a paywall.
The headline quote comes from Rockstar North co-studio head Aaron Garbut, who described the map as about twice the size of GTA V's and Rockstar's biggest by some degree. He framed the bigger change as density, saying the team hit a critical mass of interiors, with more attention on rooftops and alleys so buildings feel real inside and out.
Leonida Intel context
This is the most detail Rockstar has put on the record about world simulation. The map-size quote is official but relative, so Leonida Intel still does not publish a square-mile figure.
The story confirms that tropical storms and hurricanes can hit Leonida. Rockstar describes a localised and persistent weather model, so it can be sunny where the player stands while a storm sits on the horizon, plus a wind system that moves hair, debris, water and swamp grass. Puddles persist after rain and rainbows can appear after showers.
On wildlife, Rockstar confirms more than 170 animal species including over 60 bird types and more than 30 land mammals, with manatees, flamingos, pelicans and alligators named. Some animals are categorised as rare, discoverable or legendary and can be tracked, though Rockstar is keeping specific species back.
The activities list adds base jumping, billiards, gyms, kayaking, mini golf, scuba diving, street and off-road racing, zoo visits, airboating, jet skiing and dates between Jason and Lucia such as hikes.