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

As the anticipation for more news on Grand Theft Auto 6 continues to build following the release of Trailer 1 in 2023, a former Rockstar developer has suggested that no more 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 further assets have been shared. This prolonged wait has sparked a variety 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 particularly notable theory, the ongoing "moon watch," accurately predicted the announcement date of Trailer 1, yet it was debunked as a hint at the release date for Trailer 2.

The big question on everyone's mind is: when will GTA 6 Trailer 2 be released? Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick hinted that fans might have to wait until closer to the game's release date, set for the fall of 2025, for the next glimpse of this highly anticipated title. However, Obbe Vermeij, a former technical director at Rockstar Games who worked on the series until 2008's Grand Theft Auto 4, tweeted that if it were up to him, he wouldn’t release any more trailers. He believes that the existing hype around GTA 6 is sufficient and that maintaining an element of surprise would amplify the excitement at launch. In response to a user suggesting Rockstar might only announce the release date, Vermeij called it a "boss move."

While Rockstar has titled the first trailer as GTA 6 Trailer 1, suggesting more trailers may follow, Vermeij's insights indicate that plans can change. He mentioned that Rockstar delayed GTA 4 just three months before its initial release date in 2007, hinting that a similar "decision day" for GTA 6 might occur around the same time. Vermeij hopes for clarity by Take-Two's August earnings report.

99 Details in the GTA 6 Trailer - Slideshow

View 51 Images

In a Bloomberg interview in March, Zelnick addressed the secrecy surrounding GTA 6’s release date, emphasizing the unprecedented anticipation for the game. He explained that Rockstar aims to balance excitement and unmet anticipation by releasing marketing materials close to the launch window, a strategy that, while not always perfect, seeks to maintain the buzz around the title.

Mike York, a former animator at Rockstar New England who contributed to Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, shared on his YouTube channel that Rockstar is deliberately fueling conspiracy theories by staying silent about the game and the release of Trailer 2. He noted that this tactic fosters community engagement and speculation, which benefits the game's marketing without any effort from the company. York believes that Rockstar's silence is a strategic move to keep fans engaged and eager for more information.

York further stated that Rockstar's refusal to announce the release date for GTA 6 Trailer 2 is a deliberate marketing tactic that encourages fans to develop theories and engage with each other. This strategy not only keeps the community active but also heightens the game's allure and mystery.

Zelnick’s comments suggest that if GTA 6 Trailer 2 is released, it might not happen until the game's release date approaches in the fall of 2025, assuming there are 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 views on the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6, and speculation on whether the PS5 Pro will run GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.