GTA 6 Launch Date Approaching: Here’s What We’ve Learned Thus Far
Excitement surrounding the anticipated second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 has reached a fever pitch, as eager players eagerly await details ranging from realistic traffic dynamics to intricate business management simulations in the upcoming game. Some fans are so eager for new information that they’ve taken matters into their own hands, crafting their own GTA 6 trailers – the latest fan-made version humorously featuring GTA 5’s Franklin, Michael, and Trevor.
Despite the fervor, there’s still quite some time before Rockstar Games releases its latest crime simulation in 2025. While rumors have circulated about GTA 6 being in development since 2014, Rockstar Games only confirmed its existence in early 2022, noting on its website that the game was actively being developed. Nearly two years later, fans were treated to the first official trailer on December 4, 2023, coinciding with Rockstar Games’ 25th anniversary.
The official trailer transported us to a modern, sun-soaked Vice City and introduced us to protagonist Lucia and her yet-to-be-named partner. Set to Tom Petty’s “Love is a Long Road,” the trailer showcased a vibrant world filled with neon lights, speedboats, jumbo jets, pool parties, strip clubs, flamingos, and TikTok-inspired vertical footage, igniting even more anticipation among fans.
While the trailer indicated a 2025 release window for GTA 6, recent leaks and reports have cast doubt on that timeframe. So, what do we know about GTA 6? When might it be released? And what could the cost be? We’ve compiled all the latest details about the upcoming installment in the beloved franchise.
‘GTA 6’ release date and trailer: When could the game launch?
Recent speculations point towards a potential release date of 2026 for GTA 6. Although an official release date has not been confirmed, the initial teaser trailer in December hinted at a release window, with the words “Coming 2025” prominently displayed at the end of the 90-second teaser. However, this 2025 release date has since been removed from marketing materials.
To gain insights into possible release dates, one can look at the release schedule for Rockstar’s previous game, Red Dead Redemption 2. The first teaser trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2 was unveiled in October 2016, with the game initially slated for release in the second half of 2017. However, it encountered delays, eventually hitting the market on October 26, 2018 – two years after the teaser trailer’s debut. If GTA 6 follows a similar release pattern and Rockstar has factored in potential delays, we might see the game launch in the first quarter of 2025, or possibly later.
Nevertheless, a recent report by Kotaku in March 2024 suggests that insiders at Rockstar anticipate a delay in the game’s release, pushing it back to late 2025 or even early 2026. This shift in schedule comes amidst Rockstar’s decision to mandate its employees to return to the office five days a week, citing reasons such as security and quality. According to Kotaku’s sources, development on GTA 6 has reportedly fallen behind schedule, prompting concerns from Rockstar’s leadership about missing the 2025 release window.
In summary, while an early 2025 release was once plausible, it appears that GTA 6’s launch target has shifted, with late 2025 or early 2026 now being considered as potential release windows.
‘GTA 6’ location: Where is Vice City?
In September 2022, a hacker leaked 90 videos and screenshots purportedly from GTA 6, showcasing early development footage. While labeled as such, the content all but confirmed that the game’s setting would be Vice City. This revelation was subsequently officially confirmed in the first-look trailer.
Vice City draws heavy inspiration from Miami, a coastal city. The trailer prominently features news packages and road signs displaying location names, hinting at a significantly larger map compared to the original 2002 game. Reddit users have already begun crafting maps of Vice City based on the leaked information.
The trailer provides confirmation that Leonida is the state where Vice City is located. One social media post humorously quips, “Only in Leonida is a crotch grab an apology for bad driving.” Additionally, road signs spotted in the trailer include references to VCI Airport, Catalan Boulevard, Kelly County, Vice Beaches, and Port VC/Keys.
‘GTA 6’ story and characters: Who will be the main protagonists in the new game?
Similar to GTA V, the upcoming title will feature multiple protagonists. The leak from 2022 introduced us to GTA 6’s new main characters, notably a Latin American woman named Lucia and a man named Jason, showcased in much of the leaked footage.
Rumors suggest that the latest game draws inspiration from the real-life criminals Bonnie and Clyde, according to insiders familiar with the game’s development. The first-look trailer provided a closer glimpse of Lucia, depicted in the opening shot wearing a prison uniform and engaging in conversation, presumably with a parole officer. However, the man’s identity remains undisclosed.
New York-based actor Gregory Connors is rumored to portray Jason in GTA 6. While Connors’ casting has not been officially confirmed, he recently updated his CV listing a “lead” role in a 2025 Rockstar game. Speculation intensified following remarks from Troy Baker, a renowned video game voice actor known for his roles in The Last of Us and Uncharted, confirming that he is not involved in GTA 6 as a main protagonist.
GTA V broke ground by introducing three playable protagonists – Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. The upcoming game is expected to follow suit, allowing players to switch between characters during missions, similar to its predecessor.
How much is ‘GTA 6’ going to cost?
Rarely do we witness discussions online regarding the price of a game years ahead of its release. However, with leaks and insiders hinting at a staggering budget of $1 billion to $2 billion for the upcoming title, fans are speculating that the game could command a higher price tag as a result. The prevailing rumor suggests that the game will be priced at $150 (£120).
Nevertheless, we find this scenario highly improbable. Most AAA games typically start at around £69.99, with deluxe editions reaching up to £100. We anticipate this pricing trend to remain consistent, even with a budget reaching the $1 billion mark.
What console will ‘GTA 6’ be on and is ‘GTA 6’ cross-platform?
At present, the only platforms confirmed for GTA 6 are the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Rockstar Games has yet to disclose any details regarding a PC, PS4, or Xbox One release.
Given that both the PS5 and Xbox Series X will have been on the market for five years by the time GTA 6 launches, it remains uncertain whether support for older consoles will be provided. Additionally, Rockstar has not specified whether cross-platform play will be supported.
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