With so much to fawn over during the GTA VI extended gameplay trailer, we've highlighted six elements that stick out to us.
Most of the world has blocked out the week starting 19th November 2026. This, is because that is when GTA VI officially launches.
Hype around the upcoming release is already at an all-time, regardless of the issues surrounding the Ultimate Edition of the title and the perks that will be behind a paywall, and now it has reached over pitch, as Rockstar Games has shared a 26-minute long extended gameplay trailer for GTA VI.
As such, there is a lot to dive into and dissect, so with that in mind, we’ve highlighted six key elements that stood out to us during the trailer, which is embedded below.
It should also be pointed out that the extended gameplay is pulled directly from in-game footage from the PlayStation 5, although Rockstar Games does not mention whether this is the standard version of the console or its Pro model.
1. More cinema
Grand Theft Auto games have always had great cutscenes, but it is clear with GTA VI that things are being ratcheted up a few levels. The games does indeed feel more cinematic than before.
Our only concern here is that the cutscenes do not detract from main storyline missions, which has been one of the criticisms that have been levelled against games like the recent God of War titles. That said, if the team behind GTA VI can deliver comparable performances, we won’t take issue with that.
2. New weapons UI
On the weapons front, it looks like a cleaner UI has been implemented here. It is unclear at this stage, if aiming is as smooth as other GTA titles, along with cycling between enemies like in Red Dead Redemption, but it does look like the way that both protagonists – Jason and Lucia – handle weapons is quite slick.
There was even one instance when Lucia was reloading a pump-action shotgun one handed, as her other was carrying a heavy bag. It felt really true to life, so it’s clear a lot of attention has been paid to that aspect of the gameplay.
It is also evident that Jason has some sort of military background, as his proficiency with weapons is easy to gauge, along with his communication with Lucia during firefights being something that a person with specialised training does.
3. Different lighting
One aspect that immediately stood out during the gameplay was lighting. In the opening few minutes, walking through a poorly lit trap apartment building at night offers up several instances of different artificial light. This is in stark contrast to driving around Vice City during the day in a drop top.
We know this game’s launch has been delayed several times, and we suspect a lot of spit and polish time was spent on refining the environmental lighting in-game.
4. Shifting fields of view
Sticking with the cinematic elements, a wider format third-person view appears to be the go-to for most of the game, but there are times when the perspective or ratio shifts. This is particular done during dialogue events, pushing in close on the action to add to the immersive feel that the gameplay trailer set.
It’s still early days, but GTA VI could be setting the standard as far as open-world RPGs are concerned once again.
5. 3D map
Next is the map, which has been overhauled somewhat. We’re specifically talking about the navigation map that appears in the bottom left hand corner while playing. This may only appears to pop up when open world activities are happening, with other events that follow a linear structure not requiring it to be present.
When the map is active, it gives a 3D view of buildings when you get close to them. This is quite interesting, especially if you are approaching an objective or meet point, and it might be on a higher floor of any given building.
We’re interested to see how Rockstar uses this new UI for navigation in the game.
6. Dynamic duo
The gameplay trailer did not seem to showcase any of the mechanics that allow you to switch from one protagonist to the other, which was a key part of the GTA V. It likely is still present for this latest game, but in the missions showcased during the trailer, it looks like players will simply transition between one protagonist to the other rather seamlessly.
For example, Lucia can commit an armed robbery by herself, while Jason is waiting on a motorcycle for the getaway. Players are transitioned between each character with little fuss, as it looks like each will be responsible for very specific elements of gameplay during said mission.
The pair make an impressive team, although it does seem like Lucia is the more aggressive of the two, while Jason tries to take a more measured approach.
With the gameplay trailer having already amassed close to five million views on the Rockstar YouTube channel, it is clear that the appetite of players has been whet, and they want more. Hopefully, though, the leaks are kept to a minimum before we reach the 19th November launch date.
As a reminder, GTA VI costs R1 499 for the Standard Edition and R1 899 for the Ultimate Edition, with both available for pre-order.
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