There’s nothing quite like the pedigree of Rockstar Games in the industry. While the company once put out tons of beloved games, includingMidnight ClubandBully, its focus over the past few years has dwindled to a couple of powerhouse IPs:Red Dead RedemptionandGrand Theft Auto. Red Dead Redemption 2became an instant classic, andGrand Theft Auto 5became the most profitable entertainment product of all time. That alone has built up a ton of hype forGrand Theft Auto 6—to the point that fans have treated it as a matter of when, not if, well before Rockstar ever confirmed it was in development.
Despite having a 2025 release window,GTA 6has only received one trailer so far, much to the chagrin of many of its fans. It seems players will be stepping into the shoes of Lucia and her boyfriend (thought to be named Jason) through some crime spree in Vice City.Grand Theft Auto 6’s return to Vice City is well-timed given the increasing “notoriety” of Florida, and based on that one trailer, it’s clear how it dials the reputation of Florida to the extreme. Of course, heading into the new year, fans are champing at the bit to learn more. Patience is often rewarded, however, and fans should first and foremost keep their expectations in check.
GTA 5 News and Marketing Vs. GTA 6
Nothing so far withGTA 6’s trailer, the lack of news, or the still unfilled release date is surprising. So far,GTA 6seems to be a lot like Rockstar’s marketing ofGTA 5:
How GTA 5’s Marketing Went Down
While the above is not gospel, fans should note a few key takeaways. First and foremost,GTA 6is past the rough one-year mark between its first two trailers.GTA 6’s first trailer released in early December 2023, while fans have received nothing else in all that time. Some fans thoughtGTA 6’s next trailer would be released on December 27, but that turned into one of numerous fan-based conspiracy theories surrounding the title. And while the above marketing cycle is not gospel or necessarily what Rockstar will do withGTA 6, it’s worth noting how the release of trailers and information increase near the backend, closer to GTA 5’s release date than the two or so that proceeded it.
IfGTA 6does follow this to some degree, then fans can expect a second trailer with a release date and other key info sometime in 2025. Fans shouldn’t really expect gameplay until the third trailer, and fans will likely be kept waiting for further info until it gets closer to release. As far as what to actually expect from its story and gameplay, it does seemGTA 6is telling a Bonnie-and-Clyde storyto some degree, while gameplay will likely be very similar to GTA 5 with new features and various improvements. It is an open-world crime game, and that tells you everything you really need to know.
GTA 6 Might Not Release in 2025
Grand Theft Auto 6is reportedly the reason several other developers have not announced a release date yet, which is understandable.GTA 6might just take a full month for itself whenever it releases…but whenever it releases is the keyword there. While it has a release window of 2025, any and all games could be delayed at any time for any reason, and Rockstar is known to delay its titles. Several insiders have said as much as well, thatGTA 6might slip into 2026, so fans should keep their expectations in check. Really, all expectations heading into 2025 should be kept in check, with Rockstar hopefully confirming a release date (or delay) around its next trailer, setting the tone for the coming year. Either way, 2025 is going to be a great year for the industry, andGTA 6is just one major shot in the arm for either 2025 or 2026.
