i enjoy GTA but i think it needs to evolve. i like the idea of playing 3 characters in GTA5. but i think contraining everything on one big map is starting to get old now. liberty city felt really claustrophobic, samey and boring - i dont ever want to go back there again. vice city is just two islands with three bridges - basically nothing (miami was only good in the 1980s). san andreas (gta5 version) was better because it allowed for more varying environments. in gta san andreas they had 3 cities and multiple towns and country areas which was even better imo.
if the technology allows for it, and assuming load times aren't as bad, i think the whole one map idea has to be done away with, and for GTA to perhaps operate on more than one map, retaining the same level of detail - you can transport between maps by taking a flight or something. that way it'd allow for greater enironmental and cultural diversity and a more enriching experience. plus its a good way for GTA to go international as i am sure organised crime can take an international scale as well. theres nothing good about american insularity.
the idea came up when playing games like the last of us, tomb raider, and the uncharted series. it doesnt hurt their stories and i am sure it'd make GTA a richer experience on many accounts. there are forums asking which the next 'city' GTA should go to but i think such approach is old hat now and its time for it to evolve and go to the next level. it doesnt matter how big the single 'city' is, you'd eventually want a change in scene as well as different characters and an evolving story.
just a thought..