1. Release Date Confirmation & Delay to 2026
Rockstar officially delayed GTA 6 to May 26, 2026, moving it from the originally planned late 2025 window .
This shift allows Rockstar to polish visuals, AI, and gameplay systems to meet high expectations — a strategy supported by ex-developer Mike York.
2. Vice City & Leonida Map Reveals
The second trailer and dozens of screenshots preview a sprawling modern-day Vice City, along with diverse regions including the Keys, swamps, forests, and rural towns throughout the fictional state of Leonida.
3. Xbox Early Placeholder Download
A placeholder file (~328 MB) appeared on the Xbox Store, leading fans to believe GTA 6 was available early. However, it’s just a preload placeholder, not playable content .
4. Companion App Rumors
Job listings hint that Rockstar may be developing a GTA 6 companion app for iOS/Android—potentially featuring live maps, in-game guides, and social media features.
5. Pre-Order Buzz Builds
As GTA 6 became wishlist-ready on both Xbox and PlayStation Stores, “wishlist now” buttons sparked speculation that pre-orders could go live soon .
Translation: Rockstar’s marketing ramp-up aligns with their delayed-launch strategy—seeing the trailer and website updates as timed steps toward May 2026.