The second Grand Theft Auto VI trailer dropped on May 6, 2025, roughly a year before the game’s confirmed release date of May 26, 2026.
Rockstar announced a delay from the original Fall 2025 release window to May 2026, citing the need for extra time to meet quality expectations. Releasing a new trailer alongside this delay helps maintain fan excitement and reassures players that development is progressing, despite the pushed-back launch. The trailer showcases more of Vice City, protagonists Lucia and Jason, and the game’s vibe, keeping the hype alive during the extended wait.
The first trailer, released in December 2023, broke records with over 90 million views in 24 hours and fueled massive online buzz. With GTA 6 already considered one of the most anticipated games ever, Rockstar likely timed the second trailer to sustain momentum. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has emphasized maintaining anticipation by releasing marketing materials closer to launch, but a year out still aligns with their strategy of spacing out major reveals to keep fans engaged without oversaturating.
The long gap since the first trailer led to rampant fan theories (like the debunked “moon phase” speculation) and concerns about potential delays. By releasing a new trailer, Rockstar quells some of this restlessness and refocuses attention on official content, especially after leaks like the 2021 dev kit footage or the 2022 gameplay breach. The trailer also subtly nods to their console focus (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S), possibly addressing rumors of platform exclusivity.
In short, the trailer’s release is a calculated move to keep fans hooked, manage expectations post-delay, and reinforce GTA 6’s cultural dominance, all while sticking to Rockstar’s secretive yet impactful marketing playbook.