GTA VI gets new trailer — what to know about the story and 2026 release date
FILE - This illustration photo created in Los Angeles, California, on December 5, 2023, shows Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer played on computer screens. Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Image (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - Fans eager for Rockstar’s long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI got both good news and bad this week: a new trailer has dropped showcasing the game’s dramatic story, but its release has been delayed once again. The game is now set to arrive in May 2026—seven months later than originally planned.
The second trailer, released just days after the delay announcement, gives players a deeper look at GTA VI’s two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, whose story appears to channel a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde dynamic. It also offers glimpses of Vice City and the wider fictional state of Leonida, a satirical take on Florida where much of the action unfolds.
What’s the story in GTA VI’s new trailer?
The backstory:
According to Rockstar, Lucia and Jason are caught in a criminal conspiracy that spans the entire state of Leonida. The trailer hints at an emotional and chaotic journey, as the couple navigates betrayal, violence, and survival. "Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them," Rockstar wrote. "But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America."
The trailer doesn’t showcase much gameplay, but emphasizes tone, atmosphere, and cinematic visuals. It’s the second official preview after a 2023 leak forced Rockstar to release its first trailer early.
Why did Rockstar delay the game again?
What they're saying:
In a post on X, Rockstar apologized for the delay, stating, "With every game we have released, the goal has been to try and exceed your expectations and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception." The studio added that it needs more time "to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve."
Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two Interactive, backed the delay and said the company expects GTA VI to be a "groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience."
In a statement, he emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence and projected multi-year growth from the game’s release.
Why you should care:
Grand Theft Auto VI is one of the most anticipated video game releases of the decade. Its predecessor, GTA V, has sold more than 200 million copies since its launch in 2013 and remains a cultural juggernaut thanks to its online mode. With the return of Vice City, a female protagonist for the first time, and the potential for user-generated content, GTA VI could redefine open-world gaming once again.
The Source: This article is based on information from The Verge and The Associated Press. The Verge provided detailed reporting on the second GTA VI trailer and Rockstar’s story description, while the Associated Press covered the delay announcement, investor reactions, and statements from Take-Two Interactive executives.