GTA V is not a sequel to GTA VI

Well, there are many rumors about that Grand Theft Auto VI is connected to Grand Theft Auto V. As of now, by the help of the easter eggs and subtle references shown in GTA V DLC and GTA V Online you can see there might be some connection regarding these two games. However, both game is developed and released on the same universe which is also the sign that some of the characters of these games can be connected. Also, there are many fan's theory where you can read about how it is connected with each other. Like there is the theory that the Grand Theft Auto V character name Jay Norris who was almost killed in the cutscene by Michael De Santa in one of the mission will revive and will be seen as special appearance in the Grand Theft Auto VI. But it might not be true since this is only the Grand Theft Auto fan's theory.

Why GTA VI and GTA V Might Not Share the Same Storyline?

As we all know, Grand Theft Auto VI takes place in a completely different location than Grand Theft Auto V. We all have seen the trailer which blew the internet. In that trailer it doesn't have any reference of Grand Theft Auto V. Since GTA V was based on the Los Angeles and it was named after that and it was know as Los Santos and Blaine County. But this time, Rockstar has completely set the story on the different place mostly on Vice City which is based on the Florida and Miami. Although there are some Easter Eggs or passing references also the main character of GTA V Michael De Santa played by Ned Luke even said that he is involved with Rockstar for future projects too. But in my opinion, these shouldn't be connected because Grand Theft Auto VI should have a different storyline with fresh characters and a well-written plot. Otherwise, the game won't connect with new gamers, as it has become quite boring playing the same storyline as GTA V. GTA VI characters Lucia and Jason should be as well-written as GTA IV's character Niko which was missing in GTA V.

Rockstar Games has never made a sequel or prequel connected to previous games, so it's likely that GTA VI will not be linked to GTA V this time either. Even in Red Dead Redemption 2 the prequel is not connected to the previous game which was completely different and fresh. So if you have expectation that GTA VI is sequel to the GTA V you might get disappointed because GTA 6 cant never be sequel to GTA 5. There are also various leaks and streamers like DarkViperAU, Timcast, and MrBossFTW suggesting that it’s not a direct sequel in the sense that we will play as new characters.

I still have the NDA that I'm under. -- Ned Luke

GTA Relevancy

Since GTA has the tough job of staying relevant in the gaming industry, continuing to feature Michael and following his storyline could be a significant downfall for Rockstar Games. It's just like playing with an old toy; if you play with it for a long time, you eventually want a new one. The same goes for this situation. Rockstar is aware of this, so they likely won't link the previous game to the new-generation game, especially since they have waited and delayed the release for almost 12 years. This time, the game will be a blast with a completely new storyline and fresh characters (Jason and Lucia) with their own backstories.

Conclusion

But if you want GTA VI to be a sequel to GTA V, they might include some special appearances in the GTA VI storyline. However, it won’t be playable throughout the whole game; instead, it could offer nostalgic moments related to GTA V. Don't lose hope; we never know, since the game is being developed by Rockstar Games after all.