Rockstar Games’ latest promotional art for Grand Theft Auto 6 has fans buzzing after eagle-eyed players spotted what looks like a tattoo of Manhunt’s notorious killer, Piggsy, on protagonist Cal Hampton’s leg. The illustration, part of the recent batch of early GTA 6 screenshots released in May, shows Cal seated in a sleek speedboat, his right shin emblazoned with what appears to be the chainsaw-wielding lunatic’s grinning pig mask. While the discovery ignited chatter about a possible Manhunt crossover, industry insiders caution that it may simply be another one of Rockstar’s trademark Easter eggs rather than a signal of Piggsy’s full return.
Manhunt, first launched in 2003, became infamous for its brutal stealth-horror gameplay and characters like Piggsy—an antagonist defined by his blood-splattered apron and gleeful savagery. With the series turning 23 this November, a cameo in GTA 6 would delight longtime horror-game fans and broaden the shared universe many believe Rockstar quietly maintains. Yet the mere presence of a tattoo doesn’t guarantee narrative significance; GTA 6’s predecessors are packed with hidden nods to past titles, from Liberty City to Vice City, that never evolve into canonical plot points.
Still, the Piggsy tattoo has given rise to three main theories. First, that Rockstar is teasing a full Manhunt-style mission or side quest set in a gore-soaked back alley of the new GTA map. Second, that the design is a purely meta reference—an homage for eagle-eyed collectors without bearing on GTA 6’s story. Third, and perhaps most intriguing, is the possibility of a new, original character inspired by Manhunt’s aesthetic but built specifically for GTA 6’s more expansive open world.
Rockstar’s history supports cautious optimism. The studio’s love for interconnecting references spans decades—remember the hints of Liberty City shown in early GTA IV concept art, or the San Andreas graffiti visible in GTA V before the state was revisited in later DLC? Moreover, recent leaks and rumors about GTA 6’s “Eclipse” storyline suggest the game will explore darker, more violent themes than its predecessors, creating room for a Manhunt-style cameo or collaboration.
Ultimately, until Rockstar confirms Piggsy’s fate in GTA 6, the tattoo remains a tantalizing mystery. Whether players will encounter the chainsaw-brandishing butcher in person, stumble upon hidden VHS tapes, or simply enjoy the call-back artwork, one thing’s clear: GTA 6’s world is already richer for its nod to the legacy of Manhunt.
