GTA 6: Gameplay Released – Is the Hype Justified?
Rockstar Reveals First Scenes – Switzerland Awaits Eagerly
After a 13-year wait, Rockstar Games has offered its most extensive look yet at how "Grand Theft Auto VI" will be played. The approximately 26-minute "Extended Look" navigates through Vice City and the fictional state of Leonida, providing a clearer impression of the game world, characters, and gameplay. This has intensified the hype, not diminished it.
Rockstar first released the preview on Netflix on Thursday, followed by YouTube. The footage was entirely captured on a PlayStation 5 and reveals significantly more than previous trailers and screenshots. It showcases car chases, shootouts, car races, basketball, diving, swimming, and numerous everyday scenes. (Rockstar Games)
Vice City Is Bigger and More Vibrant
The two main characters, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, take center stage. They navigate Vice City and other regions within the state of Leonida. The story follows a criminal duo whose plans lead to a larger conspiracy after a botched heist.
The new preview reveals a significantly more detailed world than its predecessor. Streets are more bustling, buildings and landscapes appear more dynamic, and numerous side activities are directly integrated into the game world. These include sports, water sports, racing, and gambling.
Rockstar is not just focusing on improved graphics. The game mechanics have also been expanded in several areas.
Two Characters Instead of One
One of the most important innovations is the ability to switch between Jason and Lucia. The two characters can be played in different situations. Rockstar is taking a similar approach to "GTA V," where players could switch between several main characters – however, this time the relationship between just two central characters is more emphasized.
Lucia is also the series' first female protagonist playable for extended periods. The new preview suggests that Rockstar is presenting the two characters not merely as different playable figures, but as closely connected protagonists.
Police Are Supposed to Be Harder to Evade
The familiar wanted system has also been expanded. If observed committing a crime, players will apparently need to pay more attention to how their escape unfolds. Clothing, vehicles, and other characteristics may play a role.
Stealing cars also appears to be more challenging. The new preview suggests that vehicles cannot be acquired as easily as in previous installments. At the same time, the denser traffic situation and driving behavior should provide more variety.
Rockstar is thus attempting to evolve familiar GTA mechanics without abandoning the series' core idea: an open world where players can decide how they wish to navigate it.
Hype Fueled by Secrecy
The immense hype surrounding "GTA VI" is also a result of an unusual communication strategy. For years, Rockstar has released very little official material. This has led to the emergence of an entire industry of streamers, influencers, and podcasters dedicated to rumors, speculation, and leaks.
In recent days, unauthorized footage from the game was again circulated. Rockstar described the latest leaks as painful. At the same time, these releases are unlikely to diminish interest in the game. On the contrary: every new piece of information is analyzed and disseminated by millions of fans. (SRF)
The "Extended Look" is therefore likely only the beginning of a major marketing phase. There are still nearly three months until the release on November 19.
The Bar Is Set at Over 230 Million Sales
The pressure on Rockstar is immense. "Grand Theft Auto V" is one of the most successful video games ever, having sold over 230 million copies worldwide. The game has been on the market since 2013 and continues to generate significant revenue today. (Gameswelt)
This success story also explains why Rockstar can afford an unusually long development period. According to SRF, the budget for "GTA VI" is estimated at around one to two billion US dollars. Analysts therefore expect an exceptionally successful launch. (SRF)
Whether "GTA VI" will actually set new sales records can only be assessed after its launch. One thing is certain: hardly any other video game launches with comparable global attention.
It's Getting Serious for Swiss Gamers Too
The Swiss market is among the countries where "GTA VI" can already be pre-ordered. Rockstar explicitly lists Switzerland as a supported pre-order market. The standard version is currently offered on the Xbox platform for 79.90 Swiss Francs. (Rockstar Games) (Xbox Switzerland)
There is a peculiarity regarding the physical edition: Rockstar offers a retail version, but it only contains a download code and no traditional game disc. The pre-download is expected to be available from November 12. (Rockstar Games)
Swiss gaming fans no longer have to wait for an indefinite date either. The release date is confirmed: On November 19, 2026, "Grand Theft Auto VI" is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version has not been announced so far. (Rockstar Games)
Can the Game Live Up to the Hype?
The "Extended Look" provides many answers – but not to the most important question. While significantly more of "GTA VI" is now visible, whether the game truly lives up to years of anticipation cannot be judged from a trailer alone.
Rockstar showcases a technically impressive game world, two central characters, and numerous new or revised mechanics. At the same time, it remains to be seen how these elements actually play out over many hours and how stable the game runs at launch.
Therefore, the hype is not automatically proof of quality. It primarily demonstrates the immense trust placed in the Rockstar brand. On November 19, "GTA VI" must prove whether it can justify this trust.
For the gaming industry, the launch is a major event regardless. For Rockstar, it is about more than just the next installment in a successful series: "GTA VI" aims to build on the commercial success of a game that, after 13 years, still engages millions of people.
