For years now, the gaming community has been holding its collective breath in anticipation of the next installment in one of the most iconic franchises of all time — Grand Theft Auto VI. With every passing month, speculation grows, leaks surface, and fans become increasingly eager for a concrete update. While Rockstar Games has kept things relatively quiet following the release of the first official trailer in December 2023, a recent wave of news and online discussions has stirred excitement — and concern — once again.
Here’s a deep dive into all the latest developments, what’s being said by insiders, fans, and former Rockstar employees, and what we might expect in the coming months.
Take-Two Earnings Call and Release Date Speculation
The most substantial recent update comes courtesy of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company. According to a report by Jake Brigstock of Indy100, Take-Two is set to hold its next earnings call on May 15 at 4:30 PM ET (9:30 PM BST / 1:30 PM PT). This call could be a critical moment for GTA 6 fans worldwide, as it’s expected to feature an official update regarding the game’s projected Q4 2025 release window.
Brigstock suggests that this is likely the latest point at which Rockstar will either confirm or adjust the previously hinted launch timeline. Take-Two usually releases key documentation shortly before earnings calls, and this often includes updates on project timelines. So if you’re counting the days until you can explore Vice City again, mark May 15 on your calendar.
What Former Rockstar Employees Are Saying
Adding a bit of anxiety to the mix, Obbe Vermeij, a former Technical Director at Rockstar Games who worked on titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and GTA IV, shared a candid insight via Twitter. Vermeij stated that the decision to delay GTA V was made just four months before its original release date. That means Rockstar may not confirm whether they’re on track with GTA 6 until the last possible moment.
His comments imply that while we might receive an update, it may not be the one fans want to hear. There’s a real possibility that Rockstar could announce a delay — or at the very least, that they’re still evaluating their internal timelines.
It’s a sobering reminder that in the world of game development, especially with a game as ambitious as GTA 6, delays are not only common but sometimes necessary for ensuring quality.
The First Trailer: A Look Back
Released back in December 2023, the first trailer for GTA 6 took the internet by storm. It introduced us to dual protagonists Jason and Lucia and teased a return to Vice City, reimagined with modern graphics and dynamic city life. From car chases to gator-filled chaos, the trailer set expectations sky-high.
But now, over 500 days have passed since that first glimpse, and fans are growing restless. There’s been no second trailer, no new footage, and virtually no official follow-up. This extended silence has led some fans on Reddit to voice their frustrations. One post that recently went viral read, “GTA 6 trailer was revealed 500 days ago,” followed by a broken heart emoji — a sentiment echoed by many in the community.
Another user summed it up: “At this point, I don’t need a trailer 2, just the game.”
Modding Magic: GTA 5’s Natural Vision Evolved
Interestingly, while fans wait for GTA 6, some have turned their attention back to GTA 5 — or more specifically, to a modded version of it. One mod, Natural Vision Evolved, has gained massive attention for transforming GTA 5 into what looks like a photorealistic masterpiece.
The mod, created by Razed Mods, overhauls lighting, weather systems, environmental details, and textures to such a degree that many screenshots from the mod look like real-life photos. Shared in the r/GTA6 subreddit, one user posted images with the caption: “Maybe you won’t believe me but these photos are from GTA 5’s ‘Natural Vision Evolved’ mod.”
The images sparked a conversation: If GTA 5 can look this good with mods, how amazing will GTA 6 look at launch?
While not everyone is hoping for hyper-realism — with some fans stating they’d prefer a stylized approach — there’s no doubt that expectations for visuals are sky-high.
GTA 6 Gameplay Leaks: Fact or Fiction?
Leaks surrounding GTA 6 have been a near-constant over the past few years, but one of the more detailed ones surfaced recently on Reddit. The alleged leaker claims to have worked as a Quality Assurance (QA) tester for a short period and shared multiple posts about early builds of the game.
While these claims remain unverified, several of the details align with prior leaks and expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the most interesting points:
1. Map and Setting
The world of GTA 6 is said to feature much more countryside and rural landscapes than fans might expect. Descriptions include “backwater Florida with weird swamp cult vibes” and a “meth county” full of strange encounters. This suggests that Rockstar is investing heavily in environmental diversity, not just urban sprawl.
2. NPC Memory and Behavior
One of the most compelling claims is that NPCs will remember your actions — a level of realism that could drastically alter gameplay. Shopkeepers may recognize you from a past robbery, and police behavior may change depending on your past interactions.
3. Police Interactions
Players might be able to hide illegal items in their cars — in glove compartments or under seats — before the cops search them. This would add a new tactical element to police chases and encounters.
4. Advanced AI
The post mentions that AI will respond based on where the player is looking or how fast they’re moving. If true, this would mark a significant evolution in AI interactivity and realism.
5. Driving and Combat
Driving is described as feeling more dynamic, and combat more impactful. Shooting random NPCs will carry real in-game consequences — both from a narrative and mechanical standpoint.
6. Narrative Pace
The game is said to start slowly but soon “falls apart around you,” creating a more personal and emotional storyline.
While we should take these leaks with a grain of salt, they do offer tantalizing insights into what GTA 6 could bring to the table.
GTA 5 Still Going Strong on Game Pass
While GTA 6 remains shrouded in mystery, GTA 5 is getting a second wind, thanks to a surprise inclusion on Xbox Game Pass. As of April 15, subscribers can download and play GTA 5 for free — including the Enhanced Edition that supports Hao’s Special Works vehicles and other modern features.
In addition to GTA 5, the Game Pass lineup for April also includes Diablo III, Far Cry 4, Borderlands 3, and more. It’s a smart move by Xbox to keep fans engaged with the franchise while they await GTA 6’s eventual release.
Game Pass memberships can be purchased via CD Keys, with options including:
- Core: £14.99 – includes online multiplayer and access to 25+ games
- Ultimate: From £6.99/month – includes hundreds of titles across console, PC, and the cloud
GTA 5 is also available to buy separately, currently discounted to £14.99 from £34.99.
The Long Wait and What Lies Ahead
It’s no exaggeration to say that fans have been waiting over a decade for the next mainline Grand Theft Auto game. The first trailer teased an incredible experience — but since then, Rockstar has kept things eerily quiet.
The upcoming Take-Two earnings call could be a turning point. Either we’ll receive welcome confirmation that development is on track, or we’ll be bracing ourselves for a delay announcement. Given Rockstar’s history of perfectionism and polish, either scenario is entirely possible.
In the meantime, fans continue doing what they’ve become experts at: waiting. Waiting for a new trailer. Waiting for new gameplay footage. Waiting for a release date. And most of all, waiting for the moment when they can finally return to the chaotic, sun-soaked streets of Vice City.
Final Thoughts
GTA 6 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and anticipated video games of all time. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but everything we know so far points to a game that is both innovative and deeply immersive. From dynamic NPC behavior to hyper-detailed environments and a sprawling open world, Rockstar appears to be crafting something truly next-level.
With just a few months until we (hopefully) get more clarity, one thing is certain: the GTA community is more alive than ever. Whether through mods, fan theories, or passionate Reddit discussions, the hype train for GTA 6 is showing no signs of slowing down.
So buckle up — because the road to Vice City is getting closer by the day.