It’s been over a year since Rockstar Games added their official stamp to the hype train with the first Grand Theft Auto VI trailer.
Considering the trailer had a whopping 101 million views in two days, that should tell you all you need to know about the popularity and thirst for what might be the most anticipated game release in history. In case you’re one of the two or three people in the world who haven’t seen it. Here it is:
With the announced Fall 2025 release window inching closer, the interest is growing–if that’s even possible. That said, I’ve done some digging to break down what’s confirmed, what’s rumored, and what’s drawing the most attention.
GTA VI Release Date: Fall 2025, But When Exactly?
According to the trailer and a press release from Take-Two, GTA VI hits PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in Fall 2025. This information was also confirmed during their May and November 2024 earnings calls.
GTA VI is likely coming to PC, but if GTA V is any indication–and it probably is–it could be a lengthy wait for release on that platform. The PC version of GTA V didn’t release until nearly two years after it hit consoles. In case you’re worried about a delay, Take Two has made it clear they’re “confident in a Fall 2025 release.”
As for a specific date; we don’t know that quite yet. However, it seems as though an October or even early November release date might be a sweet spot just ahead of Black Friday and the holidays.
GTA VI: What City is it in? Get Ready for GTA VI Leonida
There is a new fictional state that is said to be based on Florida called Leonida. I’m expecting to hear some Leonida-man references in the game. While the state is Leonida, Vice City is back and things seem to have that neon look again as it did back with the iconic Vice City.
According to the official press release, rather than Vice City being the entire GTA VI setting, thanks to current-gen tech, the fictional city is just one place on the GTA VI map that is likely to wow us with its size.
Rockstar’s calling it the “biggest, most immersive evolution” in series history. Obviously, a publisher and developer will speak in grand fashion about an upcoming project. However, history and some rumored leaks of early gameplay support the notion.
Luke Plunkett of Kotaku discussed the now seized leaks saying they are “looking legit.”
One of the biggest takeaways from those leaks were the enterable interiors. If you’re a hardcore GTA fan, you know what I mean. There are apparently a plethora of rooms within building that can be entered and exited. It has many fans hoping we’ll see bodegas, stores, mansions and more.
GTA VI Protagonists and Characters
In the trailer we see the GTA VI protagonist, Lucia. She will be GTA’s first named female lead. For now, her male partner doesn’t have a name. I wonder if Rockstar will choose to keep it that way. The leaks Kotaku covered have suggested his name is Jason, but again, those are unconfirmed.
It seems as if the campaign mode will have players switch between Lucia and the guy, and perhaps you’ll have the option to go at things from a co-op perspective.
In any event, the feel of the trailer has a Natural Born Killers or Queen and Slim vibe. This post from GTA 6 Countdown somewhat validates that comparison.
The same outlet has openly speculated and added fuel to the rumors that the game will include co-op missions if not full co-op support. With the success of games like It Takes Two and Split Fiction, there’s every reason to think this is possible.
Lucia is believed to be played by real-life actress Manni L. Perez. She was asked about it in an interview and her response raised some suspicions. In another interview, she spoke about another project with some serious NDA agreements.
It all sounds very much like Rockstar business.
GTA VI Gameplay, Graphics and Features
One of the first things you notice when you watch the trailer are the high-quality visuals and excellent voice acting. This game looks exactly how GTA fans likely fantasized when they wondered how a next-gen version of the title would look on new consoles.
GTA 6 Countdown took some high-quality snapshots to show off the lighting that was revealed in the trailer. These look amazing.
Some believe the visuals, lighting and animations are a product of Rockstar’s RAGE engine, but there have been some rumors that the game is using the Unreal Engine 5. However, those rumors are far from confirmed.
The aforementioned leaks suggest NPCs will be as smart as any you’ve ever seen. Some of the leaks showed cops investigating a crime scene after you’ve left. The wildlife in the trailer was noticeable as were the portions of the trailer designed to look like a social media video.
Overall, there were almost too many wow moments to call out.
GTA Online 2.0: What Will it Look Like?
GTA V made its biggest impact with GTA Online. I’d expect that to remain in GTA VI. According to the Take-Two Q3 Earnings Report, Rockstar made more than $8 billion from GTA Online.
With that level of success, GTA VI wouldn’t release unless a bigger and hopefully better version was coming with it. Quite honestly, GTA Online 2.0 (as some have called it) could even be a standalone title.One potential leak said GTA VI “will be the first game where online is sold separately at launch.”
This is sensible, but unconfirmed.
Another unconfirmed leak suggests there will be battle royale elements, which is also sensible considering the success of games like Fortnite and WarZone.
GTA VI Price Tag Debate: Will it Be $100 or More?
A potential leak from G2A suggest GTA VI will retail at $100 in the United States, but that’s also unconfirmed.
When you consider the game has a rumored $1 billion to $2 billion budget a heightened price point is almost expected.
Experts in the video game industry like Epyllion’s Matthew Ball have called for game prices to increase–especially in GTA’s case, and if the rumors are true, Rockstar is testing his theory.
GTA VI – What’s Next?
A new trailer has to be coming sometime soon.
It wouldn’t shock me to see something drop before spring is over, then another for the summer, and finally something in fall ahead of the release of the game.
Rockstar is definitely big-shotting us all with their silence, though it is to be expected. They have created an entertainment phenomenon with the GTA IP, and with that comes the freedom and expectations for tons of secrecy.
When the new trailer releases, we could get a glimpse of gameplay and perhaps a few more shots of other characters. Keep your eyes peeled, as I’m officially on GTA VI watch.
