When the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI dropped, fans lost their collective minds—over the game itself, and also over a certain voice clip. Many believed they heard Troy Baker’s unmistakable voice saying the word “trust” as Lucia’s male partner, sparking wild speculation that the prolific voice actor had secretly landed a role in Rockstar’s long-awaited sequel.

So, when I had the chance to sit down with The Last of Us legend himself, I had to ask what he made of the rumors.

“That right there is a lesson in perception. People think and they just automatically assume,” said Troy.

While he acknowledged the excitement, he was quick to give credit where credit was due: “I want that guy – whoever it is – to get credit for his work, because I assume it’s going to be great.”

Baker, who is friends with numerous Rockstar Games veterans like Red Dead Redemption’s Roger Clark and GTA V’s Ned Luke, knows how much effort goes into these performances. “That’s a grind, man. Those guys pour themselves into those characters and they deserve all of the credit for it.”

Translation: Sorry, internet sleuths—Troy Baker is not in GTA VI.

What We Know About Grand Theft Auto VI

Even without Troy Baker in the cast, GTA VI is shaping up to be one of the biggest gaming releases of all time. The game will mark the franchise’s return to Vice City, with a fresh, modern-day setting and two protagonists inspired by the infamous crime duo Bonnie and Clyde. One of them, Lucia, will be the first-ever playable female lead in a GTA game—an exciting milestone for the series.

The hype is astronomical. When Rockstar dropped the GTA VI trailer in December 2023, it shattered records, becoming the most-viewed non-music video on YouTube within 24 hours. Fans have been eagerly dissecting every frame for clues, but one thing is clear—Rockstar is once again poised to redefine open-world gaming.

Of course, it helps that GTA V is still one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 195 million copies sold worldwide. The game’s ongoing success—thanks to GTA Online—has only fueled anticipation for its sequel.

Troy Baker’s Legendary Career in Gaming

Even if he isn’t in GTA VI, Troy Baker’s resume speaks for itself. He’s one of the most recognizable voices in video games, bringing depth and nuance to some of the industry’s most beloved characters:

• Joel Miller (The Last of Us)
• The Joker (Batman: Arkham Origins)
• Booker DeWitt (BioShock Infinite)
• Pagan Min (Far Cry 4)

From heroes to villains and everything in between, Baker’s versatility has made him one of the most celebrated voice actors in the industry.

Benjamin Byron Davis on Troy Baker’s Talent

Speaking of Rockstar Games, I also had the chance to interview Benjamin Byron Davis, the voice of Dutch van der Linde. While we mainly discussed his work on Red Dead Redemption, he couldn’t help but praise Troy Baker’s performance in The Last of Us.

Davis, who knows a thing or two about delivering an unforgettable gaming performance, had some choice words about Baker’s talent—and let’s just say, they were glowing.

With industry peers and fans alike recognizing his work, it’s no wonder Troy Baker remains one of the most influential figures in gaming. Even if he’s not in GTA VI, his legacy is undeniable.