Rockstar Games dropped the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI on May 6, 2025, and it immediately smashed records. The trailer has already gained more than 475 million views across platforms in its first 24 hours. This figure far surpasses the 93 million views that the first GTA VI trailer managed during a similar timeframe back in 2023.
The company told The Hollywood Reporter that this is the largest video launch ever recorded. For comparison, the Deadpool and Wolverine trailer gathered 365 million views in its first day, while The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer achieved over 200 million.
Trailer Footage Confirmed as In-Game Content Captured on Standard PS5 Console
There was initial skepticism online about the quality of the trailer footage. Some questioned if it was pre-rendered or captured on a powerful PC or a PS5 Pro. Rockstar Games confirmed that every frame of the second GTA VI trailer was captured entirely in-game on the base PlayStation 5 hardware.
The footage combines both gameplay and cutscenes, showcasing a seamless blend that highlights the technical achievements of the game on a console released nearly five years ago. Rockstar’s confirmation dispels doubts and emphasizes the polish that can be expected from the final product.
Fans have noted moments in the trailer where gameplay transitions into cutscenes, such as Jason entering his apartment. These details underline the evolving design and narrative techniques Rockstar is employing with GTA VI.
Setting, Characters, and Storyline Provide More Insight into GTA VI’s Ambitious Scope
The trailer reveals the game’s setting in Vice City, Rockstar’s fictional version of Miami. The narrative focuses on two main characters, Jason and Lucia, who find themselves trapped in a criminal conspiracy spanning the state of Leonida. Their survival depends on relying heavily on one another as the story unfolds.
This narrative angle introduces a more character-driven approach compared to previous entries, which could mark a shift in how Rockstar handles storytelling.
Game Release Date and Platform Availability Confirmed for Mid-2026
Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive have announced the game’s official release date as May 26, 2026. GTA VI will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. The game is already open for wishlist on the PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store.
The release has been pushed from an initial 2025 window, with Rockstar citing extra development time to ensure the game meets high standards.
Trailer’s Music Choice Sparks Massive Popularity Spike for Featured Song
The trailer includes “Hot Together” by The Pointer Sisters, a song that has seen a massive surge in streams. Spotify reports an increase in plays of over 182,000% since the trailer’s release. Music has always played a key role in GTA games through radio stations, cutscenes, and missions, and this renewed attention reinforces the cultural impact the series continues to hold.
Speculation Around GTA VI Pricing Reflects Industry Trends and Development Costs
Though Rockstar has not confirmed the final price for GTA VI, industry insiders speculate that it will exceed the current $70 AAA game standard. Analysts expect the price to reach $80 or even $100, potentially bundled with in-game currency or special editions.
The game’s development reportedly cost over $1 billion, making it one of the most expensive video game productions to date. Given GTA V’s massive commercial success—raking in nearly $10 billion with ongoing updates since 2013—it is reasonable to expect GTA VI to carry a premium price tag.
Michael Pachter, a Wedbush Securities analyst, predicts that Rockstar may charge $100, offset by offering equivalent value in GTA Online currency to encourage engagement and ongoing revenue through the online component.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward With GTA VI
The success of the trailer confirms that anticipation for GTA VI remains extremely high. Rockstar's commitment to delivering a polished, next-generation experience on current consoles should reassure fans waiting for the release.
The blend of gameplay and cinematic storytelling seen in the trailer indicates the company is pushing the boundaries of what the franchise can offer. The Vice City setting, combined with the focus on dual protagonists and a sprawling criminal narrative, may signal a fresh take while remaining true to GTA’s roots.
With launch still over a year away, Rockstar is likely to continue releasing information and previews. Fans can expect further insights into gameplay mechanics, online integration, and possibly more details about the game's soundtrack and world.
Grand Theft Auto VI remains poised to be the biggest game release of 2026 and one of the most significant entries in the franchise's history.