It’s been over a year since we last saw Rockstar Games’ Bonnie and Clyde in action through official channels, but today, the developer is teaming up with Netflix to give us the best look at Grand Theft Auto 6 yet. Even after all the recent leaks by hackers, the open-world possibilities in Leonida are looking as tantalizing as ever.
With this new trailer, Rockstar isn’t just updating the public about the most anticipated game of all time. The developer is also quietly reassuring the public that GTA 6 won’t be delayed yet again. GTA 6 will stick to its Nov. 19 launch, and fans can pre-order for the game ahead of its release. In addition to the standard $79.99 version of the game, Rockstar is also offering a $100 Ultimate Edition that comes with a number of exclusive cosmetics and shops. Despite the higher price tag, most people are apparently purchasing the more expensive version of GTA 6.
The people who will be eating well today are the superfans who freeze-frame every moment, looking for clues about what they might be able to do in Vice City. A new look at the game also means that GTA mappers who plot out the game before release will be able to update their cartography.
GTA 6, the first Grand Theft Auto game in over a decade, tells the story of Jason and Lucia, two lovers who turn to a life of crime. In previous trailers, we’ve seen Jason pick Lucia up from prison — but it’s unclear if the game will exclusively be about what comes after. What we do know is that, despite Vice City’s heavy association with the 1980s, this GTA will take place in modern times. I can’t wait to learn how this universe’s version of WW3 happens on Bleeter, GTA 6‘s satirical take on social media site X.
Grand Theft Auto has experimented with multiple protagonists before, but this will be the first time that the series centers around two people in a relationship. It’s a juicy setup that’s bound to ensure plenty of drama, especially with the game’s new relationship mechanics. No matter what story is told, however, Rockstar’s apparent shift toward more progressive in-game politics will be a fascinating thing to watch unfold.
Despite the hype, the lead-up to trailer 3 has been a troubled one. Late last year, there were protests outside of Rockstar’s Edinburgh office over the firing of 30 employees. Former GTA 6 workers allege that they wanted to improve conditions surrounding crunch, pay, and working arrangements at the studio. Rockstar Games has also suffered a couple of data breaches in recent years, including one that leaked a rough, unfinished version of GTA 6.
Some leaks merely reinforced what everyone already knew: Grand Theft Auto, particularly GTA Online, rake in an incredible amount of money for Rockstar. No wonder the developer is working closely with community members for the next generation of its quasi-MMO.
The most recent set of leaks have shown the game’s shocking nudity, its incredible NPC density, the new Wanted system, and the day/night cycle. Though none of these leaks have been particularly groundbreaking, the hackers have created a toxic environment around the unauthorized gameplay. Cyberleek, the group behind the August clips, have used the attention to shill a crypto coin that has reportedly raised millions. The hackers have also claimed the leaks were meant as a punishment for Rockstar’s business practices, and encouraged fans to protest outside the studio’s offices.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on Nov. 19. A PC version has not been announced.