I think the bigger issue is that the franchise is stuck in the USA, at the same locations, in the same gangsta American dream plot. I was hoping by they would branch out as there as so many other interesting places outside of the USA that are car focused that are dying to be explored. When I watched the trailer, I felt like I already played this game.
GTA is satire about American society. Because of Hollywood, TV, and English being the lingua franca of the world, this way they can reach a far bigger audience. You couldn't do exactly the same game set in Helsinki because the world knows far less about Finnish stereotypes. Ninja Edit: Random thought about satirical games set in Finland: My Summer Car is kind of that game.
But they have explored London before. I think the UK would probably the best setting if you would.
I agree, London would be awesome. Anyone ever play The Getaway back on PS2? I genuinely enjoyed that game a lot. GTA but with cockney accents/Guy Richie, the game.
There are plenty of over-the-top British stereotypes they could do that the rest of the world would also appreciate. Royalty, Jacob Rees-Mogg/Boris Johnson style politicians, Brexit craziness, chavs, Geordie Shore, empire nostalgia.
London is the only city from their game history they haven't revisited. Granted, it is the only real location they have used so likely that is a big reason they never will. But a UK-based game would be awesome.
They probably shouldn't have named it London in hindsight. But back then of course they probably didn't know they were going to revisit Liberty City/Vice City/San Andreas a couple of times.
I was thinking more Singapore, Tokyo or for something very different like Ho Chi Minh(Saigon) or similar. GTA, but in a radically different type of city not just jungle and villages.