Grand Theft Auto V har et højere tempo end de foregående spil i serien, skriver OXM. Førhen er man som spiller stille og roligt blevet introduceret til spillets forskellige elementer, men dette aspekt af GTA-oplevelsen går hurtigere i denne omgang. Det siger Rockstar North-bossen Leslie Benzies:
"From the beginning, we want to show off the new game mechanics while creating intense, action-packed gameplay, to capture the player's attention immediately. Remember that the three characters in the game are already living in the city of Los Santos and surrounding areas. They are not newcomers like Niko and Tommy Vercetti, or people returning after a long absence like CJ."
"They already have contacts, they are integrated with the world and lead a busy life - these characteristics should give players a sense of immediate and total immersion."
Spilleren får dog ikke lov til at spille som alle tre figurer fra starten. Årsagen til dette er simpel:
"We want to give the player the opportunity to get to know the three characters individually, and explore the world as each of them, and it would not have been possible if all three had been available from the start."
En anden ting, Benzies nævner i samme åndedræt, er spillets følelse af realisme. Ganske vist kommer spilleren til at kunne gøre vanvittige ting fra starten, men disse hændelser er indrammet af spillets handling og vil give mening i den kontekst.
"You won't see anyone doing crazy things for no reason. The player will have access to enough heavy artillery early in the game, but again, in a particular context and not without reason."
Grand Theft Auto V udkommer på PS3 og Xbox 360 i september.