For better or worse, the state of the contemporary game industry has always been reflected in Rockstar's blockbuster Grand Theft Auto series. The mid-2000s push toward gritty realism (i.e. putting a brown filter on everything), the emergence of ruthlessly exploitative live-service elements, even the 3D sandbox tropes we now take for granted — GTA has always been a time capsule of the triple-A gaming sphere at large. — Read the rest

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Grand Theft Auto 6 marketing is in full swing after the game just got a new PlayStation commercial. The August GTA 6 PS5 ad gives us our most up-to-date look at the game’s graphics yet.

New GTA 6 PlayStation Commercial Debuts on PS5

Sony surprised players today by releasing a new GTA 6 PlayStation commercial on their social media platforms. The new advertisement will reportedly play on television and online markets. Before you get too excited, the Grand Theft Auto 6 ad does not feature new gameplay or story footage. Every clip in it was featured in previous trailers.

However, it does feature the most up-to-date GTA 6 footage we currently have. The trailer specifically includes the cutscene where Jason is riding his motorcycle under a plane. And the second clip features Lucia driving a getaway car, while Jason jumps on the back of the vehicle to try to get inside of it. The new GTA 6 commercial is a part of PlayStation’s “It Happens on PS5” advertisement campaign.

In May, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick had revealed that Rockstar Games had entered an exclusive marketing partnership with Sony for the new Grand Theft Auto title. Zelnick also said that more GTA 6 trailers would be released after the Netflix First Look stream on August 27. This new PS5 commercial appears to be a part of those plans.

Was GTA 6 Graphics Downgraded?

While the GTA 6 PlayStation commercial didn’t feature new footage, it does feature the game’s most recent build we know of. As a result, eagle-eyed fans have been going over the footage to see whether the game has had any “downgrades” from what was shown off in the Trailer 1 and 2. The verdict? Players seem to be split on it.

The Jason and Lucia driving scene in particular has received criticism from some fans. For example, on Reddit one user wrote “Dang those graphics in image look kinda rough.” Another player critical of the game’s graphics exclaimed “Image two already looks like a downgrade from the trailers.”

However, not everyone agreed with the downgrade claims. Many argued that the footage in the PS5 Commercial is direct rips from GTA 6 trailer 2, meaning there would be no change. In all fairness, both scenes are also in motion, which makes it hard to really get an idea of the quality. Regardless, it appears that Grand Theft Auto 6 marketing is now beginning to roll out.

The next big preview of the game comes with the GTA 6 Netflix stream on August 27. The Grand Theft Auto 6 Extended Look event is expected to bring gameplay footage and new story details. It’s also rumored to be episodic and could run as long as an hour when combined. However, Rockstar has not confirmed this yet. So as of now, it’s just speculation.

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New GTA 6 gameplay details have reportedly leaked ahead of the upcoming Netflix stream. According to a new report, Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature advanced AI, deeper vehicle interactions, and gameplay that feels completely different from GTA V.

GTA 6 Leak Claims Gameplay Will Feel Completely Different From GTA V

This latest rumor comes from popular YouTuber HipHopGamer, who claims to have revealed new GTA 6 gameplay details ahead of the Extended Look Netflix stream on August 27. During a recent interview, the gaming industry veteran reported that Grand Theft Auto 6 would feel dramatically different from GTA V and previous games in the series due to several new features.

HipHopGamer specifically claims that GTA 6 has groundbreaking AI, immersion, and interaction system features that make the game feel next-gen. The YouTuber also highlights a new mechanic that reportedly allows Jason and Lucia to actively work together during missions in unique ways. Here is a list of all the leaked GTA 6 gameplay features, according to the YouTuber:

• Gameplay supposedly feels “completely different” from previous GTA games due to its AI, immersion, and new interaction systems
• Stealing, entering and exiting cars, and gameplay inside vehicles are significantly more intricate
• Jason and Lucia can work together during gameplay—not just switch between characters
• The world is extremely reactive, with events happening around the player reportedly creating new gameplay possibilities
• Controls and responsiveness are supposedly good enough to appeal to competitive and esports players
• GTA 6 “wasn’t just made for games,” with its technology reportedly intended for film and TV applications as well
• Future UGC could allow entire branded storylines and movie campaigns to change the GTA 6 world, going beyond what we’ve seen in Fortnite
• The game reportedly has major PS5, DualSense, and PS5 Pro features, with some aspects compared to Astro Bot’s controller integration

Before you write this off as just a rumor, recent Take-Two patents might actually support some of what HipHopGamer is reporting. However, we should still take these claims with a grain of salt, as the YouTuber doesn’t provide any additional sources.

Take-Two Patents May Support Some of the GTA 6 Leaks

Back in June, players discovered that several Take-Two patents had been filed describing immersive gameplay systems. While the filings didn’t state that they were for GTA 6 specifically, many believed at the time that they could be connected to the much-anticipated title.

Interestingly, the patents may correspond with some of HipHopGamer’s leaked Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay details. Here are some of the new animation features listed in the Take-Two patents:

• Smashing car windows
• Reaching for door handles
• Interacting with the gear shift
• Using handbrakes
• Operating pedals
• Looking into mirrors
• Using radios
• Interacting with switches
• Riding motorcycles
• Adjusting to different seat heights
• Continuing an animation if another vehicle crashes into the car while the player is entering it

If these systems are being used for GTA 6, the game could feature an incredible level of animation and environmental interaction. Jason and Lucia may respond to even the smallest details around them, particularly when entering, driving, or interacting with vehicles.

That said, HipHopGamer isn’t a known leaker. While he has been around the gaming industry for years, he isn’t specifically known for accurately leaking unannounced details. His claims should therefore still be taken with a major grain of salt.

However, considering how revolutionary Red Dead Redemption 2 was when it launched, many of these rumored features don’t sound entirely unbelievable. We may not have to wait long to find out, as Rockstar could reveal more gameplay during the GTA 6 Extended Look Netflix stream on August 27.

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Take-Two has confirmed that the GTA 6 Netflix event will be just the beginning of the game’s marketing campaign. According to CEO Strauss Zelnick, players can expect more trailers and major reveals ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6’s November launch.

GTA 6 Netflix Event Is Just the Start of Its Marketing Campaign

In a recent interview, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that the Grand Theft Auto 6 Netflix stream happening on August 27 is just the beginning of its larger marketing campaign. The executive gave an interesting description of the event, comparing the GTA 6 Extended Look to a “small snack” rather than a full meal.

“The GTA 6 Netflix event is one of the hors d’oeuvres.” Zelnick then seemingly teased that more Grand Theft Auto 6 trailers and marketing would be coming after the Netflix event at the end of August. “There are appetizers, a main course, and dessert to follow,” the CEO teased in a call following Take-Two’s recent investor meeting.

While Zelnick didn’t specifically state what the future trailers or marketing would entail, his four-course meal metaphor appears to confirm that GTA 6’s marketing campaign might be bigger than some expected. Although some players were initially frustrated by the lack of a gameplay trailer, it seems that Grand Theft Auto 6 will receive a major push following the Netflix event.

GTA 6 Netflix Stream Will Offer a “Meaty” Look at the Game

One question on everyone’s mind is: What will the GTA 6 Netflix stream actually show? According to reports, the Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look event will be “meaty” and contain a pretty substantial look at the game. While gameplay has not technically been confirmed by Rockstar Games, many believe it will be heavily featured during the streaming event.

In an interview with Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, Strauss Zelnick interestingly described the GTA 6 stream as a “Netflix show.” He also claimed that when the stream goes live on August 27, “players will understand why they chose Netflix for the premiere.” Industry analysts have also said that Take-Two went with the streaming giant to appeal to a “broader audience” outside of gaming.

Finally, there have been rumors going back to June that the first GTA 6 gameplay trailer will be 20 minutes long. Players also claim that Netflix customer support confirmed that the Grand Theft Auto 6 Extended Look would have a similar runtime. However, it should be pointed out that Netflix uses AI chatbots, so the answer can’t exactly be trusted.

Regardless of what is shown on August 27, Take-Two has now made it clear that the GTA 6 Netflix stream is only the beginning. With more trailers, reveals, and marketing seemingly planned, Rockstar Games appears ready to launch a full media blitz ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6’s November 19 release.

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