Rockstar’s Next Project After GTA 6: L.A. Noire 2 Rumoured Over Red Dead Redemption 3
With Grand Theft Auto VI launching 19 November 2026, fans are already looking ahead to what Rockstar Games will develop next — and emerging speculation suggests the studio’s next major title may not be Red Dead Redemption 3 as widely expected, but a long‑awaited sequel to the 2011 detective classic L.A. Noire.
The L.A. Noire 2 Rumour: What’s Being Claimed
The latest reports originate from a contributor on GTAForums, known by the username Shahanshah, who claims Rockstar has selected L.A. Noire 2 as its next project following GTA 6. While the rumour first surfaced in 2023, new details have recently emerged, painting a clear picture of the game’s reported direction:
- Setting: San Francisco, during the 1960s — a deliberate shift from the original’s 1940s Los Angeles
- Narrative Focus: The investigation would centre on the infamous Zodiac Killer, the real‑life unidentified serial killer active in Northern California during that era
- Technical Advancements: Rockstar is said to be developing next‑generation facial scanning and animation technology, building upon the face‑reading interrogation mechanics that defined the first game
- Creative Departure: Unlike the original L.A. Noire, which drew inspiration from a broad range of period crimes, this sequel would reportedly focus on one specific, high‑profile real‑world case
It is important to emphasise that these claims remain unconfirmed. Rockstar Games has made no official announcement, and all details should be treated as speculation until verified information is released.
The Cancelled Predecessor: Whore of the Orient
This is not the first time a follow‑up to L.A. Noire has been discussed. Team Bondi, the original developer, began work on a spiritual successor titled Whore of the Orient — set in 1930s Shanghai — which was scheduled for release around 2015 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The project was ultimately cancelled amid funding and publisher challenges, with only unfinished gameplay footage ever leaking publicly. Notably, that project was never officially a Rockstar Games title, despite its close creative ties.
Community Reaction: L.A. Noire 2 vs. Red Dead Redemption 3
The reports have divided the gaming community. While many fans have expressed enthusiasm for a return to the L.A. Noire universe, others have stated clearly that Red Dead Redemption 3 remains their top priority. Some have suggested an ideal scenario mirroring Rockstar’s past approach: launching GTA 6 and then progressing on both Red Dead Redemption 3 and the L.A. Noire sequel simultaneously across separate internal teams.
Alternative speculation has also pointed to a previously leaked open‑world project codenamed “Project Medieval” — a fantasy‑infused historical title reportedly set in the medieval era — as another possible candidate for Rockstar’s next major release.
Confirmed Details: GTA 6 Launch & Availability
For now, Rockstar’s immediate focus remains firmly on GTA 6:
- Release Date: 19 November 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- PC Release: Not yet announced
- Physical Edition: Boxed copies will contain only a digital download code — no physical disc will be included
- Pre‑order Bonus: All pre‑orders on PlayStation and Xbox include the Vintage Vice City Pack
Broader Theories: Shared Universes & Future Teases
As anticipation builds, fans have also begun exploring deeper connections between Rockstar’s franchises. Recent fan theories have highlighted potential narrative and worldbuilding links between GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2, including shared fictional states, recurring in‑game brands, and thematic parallels — though Rockstar has not officially confirmed a connected universe.
Rockstar has also adopted a consistent weekly announcement schedule leading up to launch, with new details revealed nearly every Thursday. Confirmed releases include GTA VI: The Album, a 34‑track soundtrack featuring artists such as Travis Scott, Keith Richards, PinkPantheress, and Morgan Wallen, alongside limited‑edition merchandise and collectibles.
What Comes Next
Rockstar Games has not confirmed any project to follow GTA 6. Whether the studio proceeds with L.A. Noire 2, Red Dead Redemption 3, Project Medieval, or something entirely new remains to be seen. As always, we will continue to monitor official channels and provide verified updates as soon as information becomes available.
Sources: GTAForums, Rockstar announcements, community reports
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