Grand Theft Auto 6's marketing continues to baffle me, especially with Rockstar dropping the game's second trailer completely out of the blue. Of course, it doesn't really matter what Rockstar does, as millions of fans have flocked to watch it since it was ostensibly shadow-dropped. I have to say, as much as my enthusiasm for Grand Theft Auto in general was significantly waning, this trailer did enough to pull me back in and make me annoyed it has since been delayed, rather than celebrating the gates it opens for other AA and even AAA games.

However, as much as I did enjoy GTA 6's new trailer, I find myself lamenting the fact that it omitted one important element. While many fans have hand-waved away the lack of this inclusion, I can't help but feel like not only was now the perfect time for it, but it feels almost necessary at this point. Of course, I'm certain Rockstar will eventually show this off. Still, it is a huge shame that it hasn't already given the fans what they've been asking for, especially considering the potential impact the delay has had on the hype for GTA 6.

GTA 6's Second Trailer Is Incredible

It Came At Exactly The Right Moment

The second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 has gotten me suitably hyped for the game, despite previously not caring at all about it. It was dropped at seemingly the right moment after GTA 6's surprisingly necessary delay, giving fans a little morsel of information and a look at some in-game footage to satiate those who were feeling a little restless. It also gave us a better look at the game's two protagonists and how their relationship is not only a key part of the narrative but also directly impacts the world around them.

It was the deeper exploration of these protagonists that this trailer in particular afforded us that made me go from reactions to this GTA 6 trailer were positively glowing, with many also praising the unbelievably gorgeous visuals, the perfect music choices, and snappy editing that brought the whole thing together. Rockstar once again delivered a remarkable trailer, and that isn't an easy feat.

The trailer wasn't perfect, as it left out a lot of crucial details that fans have wanted more information on for some time. It also comes over a year since the last one, meaning that everyone has had to wait a considerable amount of time for this. Which is perhaps why I was so surprised that it omitted what I believe to be the most important element that surely everyone wants to see. After GTA 6's expected delay, I had anticipated that Rockstar would showcase this element to ease the blow, yet here we are with it still entirely absent.

GTA 6's New Trailer Still Doesn't Have Gameplay

It All Feels Too Cinematic

Grand Theft Auto 6 has not yet had a full gameplay-focused trailer, and that is utterly baffling to me. I must elaborate here, as we've seen GTA 6 gameplay, but not really in the way that one would expect. I'm not referring to the leaked gameplay from a while ago, as that was clearly not representative of the finished product. The second GTA 6 trailer featured in-game footage, including what Rockstar is referring to as gameplay. However, in typical Rockstar fashion, it was all shot from cinematic angles, meaning we haven't seen an uncut gameplay sequence yet.

The cinematic approach to revealing games is not uncommon for Rockstar, as it did the exact same thing with GTA 5, starting with a handful of more narrative-focused trailers before delivering one packed with actual gameplay clips. However, considering how long fans have waited for even an ounce of Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay, coupled with the fact that it will almost certainly be delayed again, I had hoped that we'd get even a glimpse at some of the kind of gameplay that's representative of a player's experience.

It doesn't seem to bother most people, especially considering this GTA 6's baffling marketing feel a little more comprehensible.

GTA 6 Will Likely Get A Gameplay Trailer Soon

It Could Come At Summer Game Fest

Of course, there's a very good chance that a full-blown Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay trailer is on the horizon. Summer Game Fest is not that far away, and it would serve as the perfect opportunity for Rockstar to show off even a little bit of uncut gameplay. Summer Game Fest starts on June 6, 2025, which is less than a year before GTA 6's controversial new release date of May 26, 2026. If Rockstar does indeed intend to stick to that date, then less than a year isn't that long to build up hype and momentum.

I am aware of the argument that GTA 6 doesn't even really need marketing as the branding is so recognizable, and practically everyone under the sun is excited for it already. However, even if that is true, everything needs marketing, even huge brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald's, if only to keep the public aware of their existence and get any detractors or those not eternally online aware onboard. I'm sure Rockstar will eventually ramp up the marketing, but I certainly hope it's done sooner rather than later.

There's also the fact that I'm keen to see what makes Grand Theft Auto 6 so special. Rockstar has been developing it for a long time and is often at the forefront of innovation in gaming. GTA 6 has the potential to be something truly special, but that's hard to gauge through cinematic shots alone, even if they've been taken in-engine. I won't speculate for now that perhaps Grand Theft Auto 6 is far from ready, and that's why we haven't seen gameplay, so hopefully we'll see some very soon, as honestly, I don't want to write that article.

Source: Rockstar Games/Twitter