The anticipation for the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series continues to skyrocket, with gamers eagerly consuming every detail shared by Rockstar Games. Even though the release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been pushed to May 26, 2026, the excitement is palpable following the launch of the second trailer, which debuted on Tuesday and has garnered a staggering 475 million views across various platforms.
In contrast, the first trailer released in 2023 achieved 93 million views within the same time frame, setting the record for the biggest video launch at that time. The sheer volume of views for the latest trailer positions it as the largest video launch ever, outpacing notable film trailers like Deadpool & Wolverine, which reached 365 million views in its first day.
This overwhelming response highlights the immense demand for the sequel to Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013. Adding to this cultural phenomenon, the trailer’s featured song “Hot Together” by The Pointer Sisters saw a meteoric rise in popularity, with streams on Spotify skyrocketing by an unprecedented 182,000 percent post-release. Sulinna Ong, Spotify’s global head of editorial, remarked on the unique impact of Grand Theft Auto on popular culture and music, emphasizing its historical significance in connecting fans across generations.
Rockstar has reportedly invested over $1 billion into the development of GTA VI, a substantial commitment mirrored by the success of GTA V, which has grossed nearly $10 billion due to its ongoing updates and expansions. The new installment is set in Vice City, a vibrant reimagining of Miami, promising to deliver an expansive open-world experience that fans have come to expect.
The excitement surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI is a promising sign for the gaming industry as it shows how powerful franchises can captivate audiences and drive engagement even years ahead of a release. This bodes well for not only Rockstar but for the entire gaming community, as this level of anticipation can lead to stronger connections between developers and players.