One lone legend waiting for GTA 6 to launch has decided to make the game from scratch themselves: 'The goal: beat the real GTA 6 to launch'

One Lone Legend Aims to Beat GTA 6 to Launch with an AI-Driven Replica

If you were eagerly waiting for GTA 6 to launch on May 26 — or even its console version — you were likely disappointed when Rockstar announced the game’s indefinite delay. The developer cited the need to "finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve," which, while frustrating, is understandable. However, for some, waiting isn’t an option. Enter Ziwen, an AI start-up entrepreneur who has decided to take matters into their own hands. Instead of waiting for Rockstar's GTA 6, Ziwen is building their own version from scratch — with the goal of beating the real GTA 6 to launch.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ziwen shared their ambitious project: "Day 1 of building GTA 6. Still feels fake typing that out. Upgraded to Claude Max 20x just for this... No studio, no publisher. Just whoever shows up... The goal: beat the real GTA 6 to launch. Ambitious, probably stupid, doing it anyway. If you can model, code, build levels, or write music and lore, come join. Looking for a couple contributors to cook this." This is the kind of bold declaration that only an AI enthusiast could pull off — and it’s absolutely fascinating.

Progressing Through the Days of AI-Driven Development

Ziwen’s project has been progressing rapidly. On day two, they mentioned that their AI agent was working better than the previous day, but they were still concerned about the visual quality of their Godot-based build. The agent had already constructed downtown LA skyscrapers, which is both impressive and problematic. The visual fidelity still felt a bit underwhelming, possibly due to the unfinished state of the project.

By day four, Ziwen had implemented a collapsion system, an intro video, and improved movement controls, making the character feel more like a real person. The game also featured a cinematic where alligators fell from the sky — a clear nod to the over-the-top action that GTA 6 is expected to deliver. It was a surreal and entertaining glimpse into what Ziwen's version might eventually become.

On day six, the project had taken a major leap forward. Ziwen had introduced a real main menu, a loading screen, and a fully functional front-end. This meant that players could now navigate the game like they would in a real AAA title. The level of polish was impressive, especially considering the project was still in its infancy. Ziwen noted that while they had been using Godot for development, the engine was beginning to show its limits for AAA-level content.

Exploring New Engines for Greater Potential

With the front-end complete, Ziwen is now looking to test Unity to see if it can better handle the more demanding aspects of a GTA 6-style game. They explained that while Godot is good for development and agent-driven builds, Unity offers more assets and flexibility. The decision to switch engines highlights the evolving nature of Ziwen’s project and the need for continuous adaptation to meet the high standards of a GTA 6 replica.

As Ziwen continues their quest, one thing is clear: this is a testament to the power of AI in game development. It’s a bold experiment that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with current technology. Whether Ziwen succeeds in beating GTA 6 to launch or not, the journey itself is a fascinating look into the future of game creation.