Two years have flown by since we first set eyes on the vibrant streets of Vice City in the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. The initial trailer for GTA 6 made a monumental splash upon its release, breaking records across the board and setting high expectations for what fans could look forward to. In just 90 seconds, it captured the sizzling chemistry between its two protagonists, flaunted the remarkable detail in its expansive urban playground, and conveyed Rockstar’s deft understanding of today’s culture. In essence, it was a masterclass in building excitement while keeping the details cleverly concealed.
While the trailer ended with a title card promising a 2025 release, we’ve seen that timeline shift dramatically since then. After two disappointing delays, GTA 6 is now scheduled for launch at the end of 2026. But instead of dwelling on delays, let’s take stock of everything Rockstar has unveiled since that riveting reveal: what’s confirmed, what’s evolved, and where we stand after two years of fervent anticipation.
Measuring the Impact of GTA 6 Trailer 1
Before diving into Rockstar’s revelations over the last two years, it’s essential to consider the impact of that first trailer. In just 24 hours post-release, it garnered approximately 90 million views on YouTube, setting the record for the most-viewed non-music video in the platform’s history. Additionally, it amassed around 8.9 million likes, making it the most-liked gaming trailer ever at that time. As of now, this staggering video has accumulated nearly 270 million views, though a premature leak did slightly temper its impact.
The excitement rippled through social media, igniting discussions across platforms where creators and brands engaged in the conversation about a game that feels as if it has been in development for an eternity.
Fans dissected every frame, reveling in minute details, like the diversity of NPC body types and intricately crafted billboard advertisements. Many dedicated players even launched initiatives to map modern-day Vice City using reflections in puddles as their guide.
In summary, the release of GTA 6’s first trailer marked a cultural milestone. It may feel recent, but in years to come, we will likely look back at it as a pivotal moment in gaming history.
What Have We Learned About GTA 6 Since Trailer 1?
What has Rockstar revealed about GTA 6 during this two-year period? The answer is somewhere between ‘a lot’ and ‘very little.’ Allow me to elaborate.
We received a substantial information update on GTA 6’s official website, complemented by a stylish second trailer that felt akin to a Hollywood blockbuster. This trailer offered an extended insight into the relationship between protagonists Jason and Lucia while introducing a dynamic supporting cast. It showcased Vice City’s dense and intricate environments and hinted at extreme weather events like hurricanes. Additionally, it revealed that the lead duo is embroiled in a harrowing fight for survival marked by violence and chaos—just what players love.
Alongside these elements, the trailer was packed with tiny discoveries and easter eggs, teasing potential mini-games and referencing beloved elements from Vice City’s past.
Far from just an engaging trailer, the website revealed six major regions or biomes on the GTA 6 map. At the core is the neon-soaked Vice City; to the north lies the industrial Ambrosia; and to the south is the swampy Grassrivers. The Leonida Keys appear to be the game’s initial setting, while the coastal Port Gellhorn and the imposing Mount Kalaga complete the expansive play area.
It’s estimated that the map of GTA 6 is roughly 70% larger than that of GTA 5. When you consider the impressive visuals and the variety of NPCs, the leap in technology is straightforward. Despite concerns about how current-gen consoles will manage this widespread environment, Rockstar eased worries by confirming that the second trailer was rendered in-engine on the base PS5.
So why the mixed feelings about Rockstar’s promotional efforts? The major reason is the lack of unedited gameplay footage.
Cinematic trailers are entertaining, but the core gameplay loop is where the experience really lies. Rockstar has kept details about this aspect close to its chest, only noting that the second trailer included some form of gameplay. Without clear transitions between cutscenes and in-game actions, it’s challenging to imagine how GTA 6 will feel in practice.
With Rockstar’s history of evolving its gameplay formula with each release, this absence of gameplay footage feels like a critical oversight, especially after two years of waiting. The long stretches of silence contribute to uncertainty, especially with two release delays already.
Rockstar Layoffs Complicate Release Timeline
In early November, Rockstar announced the layoffs of 34 employees across its UK and Canada studios, citing gross misconduct for sharing confidential information. The dismissed staff, however, accused the studio of union-busting efforts, prompting protests supported by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) outside Take-Two’s London offices.
These layoffs sparked backlash, particularly since they involved senior personnel critical to the studio’s operations. Reports revealed that affected employees were removed abruptly, often without justification, leaving their colleagues concerned about morale, which is said to have hit “rock bottom.”
Given Rockstar’s history of crunch during game development, the impact of these layoffs could seriously hinder the studio’s abilities to meet deadlines and polish the game, calling the November 19, 2026, release date into question.
So where do we stand now? Two years since that breathtaking trailer, Rockstar has revealed a vast map and compelling protagonists, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the high ambitions for technology and gameplay. Yet, there have been long periods of silence, revised timelines, and signs of internal strife that complicate the narrative.
This duality—a game that looks incredibly vibrant yet has a rocky development process—is intriguing. Perhaps this contrast represents the challenges of modern game creation. With that said, the next time Rockstar reaches out, it should come prepared with more than just cinematic trailers. Fans deserve to see what GTA 6 truly offers in action.
The past two years have shown that the excitement surrounding GTA 6 remains strong. The burning question is whether Rockstar can deliver a game that lives up to the hype. Will the culmination of this long and tumultuous lead-up be defined by assurance or by further doubt? Only time will tell, particularly if we can finally get a substantive gameplay reveal.
If you’re as excited about the future of gaming as we are, continue exploring related content at Moyens I/O.