Grand Theft Auto 6 First Trailer

The first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI premiered on December 5, 2023, and quickly became a defining moment for fans of the franchise. Within the first 72 hours, the trailer amassed nearly 200 million views across all platforms, solidifying its place as one of the most-watched gaming trailers of all time. Seven months later, its viewership surpassed 200 million on YouTube alone, setting numerous records and fueling unprecedented anticipation for the game.

Trailer Details

The trailer provided a captivating first look at Grand Theft Auto VI, showcasing:

• The vibrant, detailed environments of Vice City, marking its return as the primary setting.
• A mix of new characters and factions alongside familiar elements from the series.
• A modern-day setting, including social media parodies, alligator antics, and high-octane action sequences.
• The series' first female protagonist, Lucia, and the male protagonist, Jason.

Soundtrack

The trailer's emotional resonance was enhanced by the iconic song "Love Is a Long Road" by Tom Petty.

The Leak and Controversy

The excitement surrounding the trailer was amplified by a dramatic leak on December 4, 2023, one day before the official premiere. A cybercriminal operating under the alias "Skenkir" infiltrated a YouTube admin panel and released the trailer prematurely with a "BUY $BTC" watermark.

The leak caused millions of views on unofficial uploads before Rockstar Games swiftly responded by releasing the official trailer hours later.
Investigations, including those by cybersecurity sleuth ZachXBT, linked Skenkir to over 40 high-profile cyberattacks, including SIM-swapping incidents targeting celebrities.

Despite the leak, the trailer's global buzz skyrocketed, exemplifying the adage: "There’s no such thing as bad publicity."

Rockstar’s Strategy and Reception

Insider reports revealed that Rockstar Games considered delaying the trailer release to counter industry leaks but ultimately chose not to. The trailer's release:

• Dominated social media trends, generating endless speculation and analysis.
• Was praised for its cinematic quality, nostalgic soundtrack, and the promise of a modernized Vice City.
• Highlighted the game’s potential to build on the series’ legacy, creating immense hype for the Fall 2025 release.

Records and Milestones

As of July 2025, the trailer had surpassed 260 million views on YouTube, becoming the second most-viewed video game trailer of all time.

Following a delay and the announcement of a new release date, Rockstar released a second trailer for GTA 6 , this time containing more details about key locations and important characters.