GTA 6 Marks the End of an Era as Lazlow Jones Will Not Return

The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is shaping up to be one of the most significant moments in gaming history, but it will also mark the end of an era for the franchise. For the first time since GTA 3 launched back in 2001, a mainline entry in the series will not feature Lazlow Jones, the longtime writer, producer, and in-game personality who became one of Rockstar’s most recognizable voices.

The Long Wait for GTA 6

Fans have been waiting 12 years for the next major installment in Rockstar’s groundbreaking open-world series. Grand Theft Auto 5 was released in 2013, and ever since, speculation about its successor has only grown louder. Now, after years of anticipation, Grand Theft Auto 6 is officially set to launch on May 26, 2026—less than a year away.

But when players step into Rockstar’s newest digital world, it will be without Lazlow’s signature presence.

Lazlow’s Legacy in the GTA Franchise

Lazlow first appeared as the eccentric radio host of Chatterbox FM in GTA 3, and his satirical commentary became an instant fan favorite. He continued to lend his voice and comedic writing across nearly every major GTA release since, including Vice City, San Andreas, Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories, GTA 4, and GTA 5.

In GTA 5, Lazlow even appeared on-screen for the first time, further cementing his place as one of the series’ most iconic recurring characters. Many fans assumed he would inevitably return for GTA 6, but that is no longer the case.

The reason is clear: Lazlow Jones left Rockstar Games in 2020. He is now working with former GTA producer and writer Dan Houser at his new studio, Absurd Ventures. While there’s still a slim chance Lazlow could make a cameo in GTA 6, no such appearance has been confirmed.

Where Fans Can Still Find Lazlow

Although Lazlow won’t be in GTA 6, his character remains present in GTA Online, giving players a chance to revisit his antics. Much of his past work is also accessible on modern platforms—thanks to re-releases and backward compatibility—though not all titles are currently available. For example, Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories remain absent from modern consoles, while GTA 4 is only playable on Xbox through backward compatibility.

A Turning Point for the Franchise

The absence of Lazlow isn’t the only sign of change. GTA 6 will likely introduce its own dedicated online multiplayer mode, which could signal the gradual winding down of support for the existing GTA Online tied to GTA 5.

With its release set for May 26, 2026, Grand Theft Auto 6 represents both the start of a bold new chapter for Rockstar’s flagship franchise and the close of a beloved era defined in no small part by Lazlow’s unique voice and humor.