After what has seemed like an eternity, the long-awaited sequel to GTA V is finally here! In December 2023, the trailer for GTA VI was released, leaving fans of the series chomping at the bit for the new game. The upcoming release of this game has had a staggering impact on gaming culture, with the trailer becoming the most viewed video within 24 hours of its release. Although fans were upset at the release date being set in for 2025, with no specific date in sight, the news of the game releasing soon was still well received.

Released in 2013, GTA V quickly became the highest-earning video game in history, making well over a billion dollars within the first three days of release. GTA V’s impact on pop culture is truly remarkable, with references to the game in every single medium of pop culture, whether it is books, music, television, or film. It has also been the subject of controversy due to the effect it’s violent and sexual content has had on children. However, GTA V’s mature rating only made it more appealing to kids, desperate to get a hold of the game. Now that it has been a little over ten years since GTA V’s release, many fans (myself  included) will be of age (17+) to buy GTA VI despite its M (mature) rating, indicating that the content is for mature audiences and parental discretion is advised.

The trailer for GTA VI looks astonishing and completely justifies the 10-year wait for the game. Every single scene within the trailer was packed to the brim with amazing detail, closely resembling real-life events, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication coming from the Rockstar team in the development of this game. It is a true masterpiece of a trailer that does its job of generating buzz for the game to the highest possible degree. However, since the trailer’s release, Rockstar Games has gone radio silent on any new updates. 

We can expect the game to take place in modern-day Vice City (Miami’s equivalent). The story will have a female protagonist, and the map will be substantially larger than GTA V’s, likely to include the entire state of Florida with nearly every building on the map featuring a detailed interior. 

So, we know the setting, we have an idea about what the game and story will look like, and we have a general release date. The most pressing question for fans: will it live up to the expectations of the players? And will it leave an even bigger mark on pop culture than its predecessor?