Ex-Rockstar Dev: No More GTA 6 Trailers Needed, Hype Sufficient

As the anticipation continues to build for more news on Grand Theft Auto 6 following the release of Trailer 1 in 2023, a former Rockstar developer has suggested that no further trailers should be released before the game's launch.

Rockstar released GTA 6 Trailer 1 to record-breaking viewership in December 2023, but since then, no additional assets have been shared. This prolonged wait has led to a flurry of conspiracy theories among fans, ranging from counting the holes in Lucia’s cell door net and bullet holes in the car from Trailer 1 to analyzing registration plates. One of the most intriguing theories, the ongoing moon watch, accurately predicted the announcement date for Trailer 1, but was debunked as a hint for the release date of Trailer 2.

So, when can fans expect to see GTA 6 Trailer 2? According to Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick, it might not be until close to the game's release date, currently slated for the fall of 2025. However, Obbe Vermeij, a former Rockstar Games technical director who worked on the series up to Grand Theft Auto 4, tweeted that if it were up to him, he wouldn’t release any more trailers for GTA 6. He believes there's already enough hype, and maintaining an element of surprise could make the game's launch even more impactful. Vermeij even suggested that simply announcing the release date without any additional trailers would be a "boss move."

Despite the numbering of the first trailer as GTA 6 Trailer 1, which implies more trailers to come, Vermeij's insights suggest that plans could change. He shared that Rockstar delayed GTA 4 just three months before its original release date in 2007, hinting that a similar "decision day" might be on the horizon for GTA 6. Vermeij hopes for clarity around Take2’s August earnings report.

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

View 51 ImagesIn an interview with Bloomberg in March, Zelnick emphasized the unprecedented anticipation for GTA 6, stating that maintaining excitement and balancing it with unmet anticipation is crucial. He explained that Rockstar prefers to release marketing materials close to the release window, a strategy that differs from competitors who announce release schedules years in advance.

Mike York, a former Rockstar New England animator who contributed to Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, suggested on his YouTube channel that Rockstar is intentionally fueling speculation and conspiracy theories by staying silent about the game and the release of Trailer 2. He believes this tactic creates allure and mystery, encouraging fans to engage with each other and discuss the game without any new content from Rockstar.

Zelnick's comments also indicate that GTA 6 Trailer 2 might not be released until closer to the fall 2025 release date, assuming no delays. As fans eagerly await more news, they can explore IGN’s coverage on various related topics, including insights from an ex-Rockstar developer on potential delays, Zelnick’s thoughts on the future of GTA Online, and whether the PS5 Pro can run GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.