The State of Leonida is a fictional state in the United States of America, set to debut in Grand Theft Auto VI. It serves as the primary setting of the game and is home to the major metropolis of Vice City. Leonida is the HD Universe counterpart to Florida1, the state in which Vice City was located in the 3D Universe titles.
Description
The State of Leonida is a fictionalized take on the real-world state of Florida. It is portrayed as a region with a warm, sunny climate and is world-renowned for its beach resorts, amusement parks, and vibrant nautical recreation. The landscape combines bustling urban centers, popular beaches such as Vice Beach, and stretches of natural parkland.
Leonida also carries the series' trademark satirical edge, most notably through the in-game "Leonida Man" phenomenon, a parody of the "Florida Man" meme, which highlights bizarre and absurd news stories from the state. The government of Leonida includes agencies such as the Leonida Department of Corrections, responsible for managing the prison system and community service programs.
Development and Influence
Leonida is primarily inspired by the U.S. state of Florida, with additional influences drawn from neighboring Georgia2. The name "Leonida" is believed to reference Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish conquistador credited with leading the first European expedition to Florida3. The state's satirical portrayal is further evident through details such as the Leonida Department of Corrections, modeled after Florida's own corrections department, and the "Leonida Man" meme, which is a parody of the infamous "Florida Man" trope.
