The gaming world is abuzz following Rockstar Games’ official premiere of the GTA 6 trailer. Its YouTube debut smashed multiple records and has become the most-viewed game trailer in history.
The first shot introduces Lucia, who looks to be a female protagonist and a new playable character. She’s joined by an unnamed male companion wearing a bandana, and they seem to be a Bonnie and Clyde-inspired duo.
The Story
After a decade of cinematic anarchy, Rockstar Games has finally released its latest GTA installment. Titled GTA 6, the trailer reveals that the game will be set in Vice City, a fictional take on Miami, and the wider state of Leonida – an obvious play on Florida’s name.
It follows a Latina female protagonist, who is reportedly named Lucia and accompanied by an unnamed male protagonist. The duo appear to be on a crime spree, inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, with the pair masked up in bandanas as they rob stores.
Alongside the tried-and-true GTA formula of jacking cars, escaping the police, and completing heists, the trailer shows off the expansive nature of the map, with news packages and road signs featuring area names such as Stockyard Downtown, Leonida Airport, Vice Dale County, VCI Airport, and Port VC/Keys (perhaps a nod to the Everglades or Florida’s coastal marshy regions). Portions of the video also emulate Instagram or TikTok-style social media posts, perhaps hinting at a new in-game element.
The Environment
Rockstar’s first trailer for GTA 6 premiered on Dec. 4, a day earlier than expected thanks to the risk of a leak. It showcases the game’s return to Vice City, featuring sunny skies, palm trees, a thriving nightlife, and countless alligators.
The trailer also shows Lucia, the series’ first female protagonist with Bonnie and Clyde-inspired story elements, going on a criminal spree with her partner. There are scenes of armed robbery, police chases, and general mayhem, as well as some satirical takes on modern culture.
GTA 5 was a massive success, and fans have high hopes for its successor. The 90-second trailer quickly surpassed 100 million views, making it the fastest-growing non-music video on YouTube in history. It also broke the record for the most viewed game reveal trailer on X (formerly Twitter). Rockstar said it would release another trailer closer to the game’s launch in 2025. But for now, it’s enough to see how far the graphics have come over the past 12 years.
The Characters
In the trailer, fans got a look at two potential character options. One was a transgender woman who spent time in prison and robbed convenience stores with a male accomplice when she was not on the run. The other is a character named Lucia, who seems to be the game’s female protagonist.
The trailer also showed shots that looked like they were posted on an in-game social media platform. It’s unclear whether this will be a new feature or customizable content, but it added to the intrigue surrounding the game.
The trailer sparked plenty of buzz online, including from ex-Rockstar developers. Mike York, who worked on GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2, praised the level of detail Rockstar showed in its character models, from gold chains to pockmarked skin and dreadlocks. He was especially impressed by the way Rockstar simulated movement on modern hardware. Leaked footage has also reportedly shown improved crawling animations for NPCs, on top of existing crouching and prone movements.
The Soundtrack
Rockstar’s choice to use Tom Petty’s Love is a Long Road as the soundtrack for this first trailer has been a focus of speculation. The lyrics could hint at some hidden meaning that will be revealed in-game.
As is Rockstar’s tradition, the trailer showcased a diverse range of vehicles and environments. Eagle-eyed fans have spotted new dog breeds and a helicopter, among other things.
The trailer also hints that players will encounter different communities, including the Thrillbilly Mud Club and the High Rollerz gang. In addition, a brief clip of the trailer shows a heist taking place at a fictionalized version of Miami’s Wynwood art district.
It’s no surprise that this trailer sparked controversy. Lawrence Sullivan, a tattoo model who gained notoriety in 2017 for his facial tattoos that resemble the GTA villain, claims that his likeness has been used without permission in the trailer. This is a recurring issue in GTA games, so it’s something to keep an eye out for in the future.