After more than a decade of waiting, Rockstar finally dropped the first official look at Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay, and it did so in an unusual way: through Netflix. It’s nearly 26 minutes under the title “Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look,” and for many of us —who’ve spent years waiting for this game— it was exactly the moment we’d been hoping for.
The footage premiered on August 27, 2026, and, according to Rockstar, was captured entirely on a PlayStation 5, so what we saw is representative of how the final game will look. Here’s what caught my attention the most and why I think the wait is going to be worth it.
Jason and Lucia: the two hearts of Vice City
The look takes us back to Vice City and the fictional state of Leonida, and puts the focus on its two protagonists: Jason and Lucia, a duo with a clear “Bonnie & Clyde” vibe. One of the most talked-about additions is that you’ll be able to switch between both characters during a single mission, something we already saw in GTA V with Trevor, Franklin, and Michael.
The gameplay kicks off with the two of them entering a building for a job, and from there you can feel the ambition of the project: a living, detailed world with that blend of crime and style that defines GTA.
Gameplay that feels familiar (in a good way)
My first impression on seeing the trailer is that GTA VI keeps the DNA of its predecessor. The mechanics look like a natural evolution of GTA V, not a reboot: anyone who played the previous entry will probably feel right at home from the first minute, but with everything polished and taken to another level.
One of the scenes that got me most excited was a car chase, shooting at the police while blowing out their tires. It’s that signature cinematic chaos, but it looks more fluid and spectacular than ever. I also loved a sequence where the protagonists pose as bodyguards to infiltrate: exactly the kind of mission with disguise and tension that drives us fans wild.
The trailer doesn’t just show off next-gen graphics: it gives you a sense of how every chase, every hit, and every decision will feel.
Much more than missions: life in Leonida
The look also made it clear that there will be a ton to do outside the main story. Among the activities glimpsed were diving, jet skis, basketball, dirt biking, weightlifting, and street racing. Rockstar didn’t reveal the exact number of activities, but the message is clear: there’ll be plenty of life beyond the shootouts.
Another fun detail: we saw a system to customize Jason and Lucia’s look on the fly. What I caught were hats, glasses, face masks, and more, all from a selection wheel similar to the weapon wheel. Small details, but they hint that the level of customization could be huge.
What the community is saying
I wasn’t the only one whose mind was blown. After its premiere, GTA VI trended on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of gamers dissecting every second. That said, the decision to release it exclusively on Netflix for the first six hours sparked controversy, since anyone without a subscription had to wait for it to hit Rockstar’s YouTube channel. A risky move that, for better or worse, got everyone talking about it.
My take as a Mexican gamer
After these 26 minutes, I’m left with the feeling that Rockstar knows exactly what it’s doing. They didn’t try to reinvent the wheel: they took what worked in GTA V and pushed it further. For the gaming community in Mexico, where GTA has always been one of the most beloved titles, this is exactly what we were hoping for. Now all that’s left is to hold out until launch.
What we’re still wondering
When does GTA VI come out?
The game has a release date of November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and pre-orders are already available. This look marks the start of the final marketing push toward that launch.
Why did the trailer come out on Netflix?
It was an unusual distribution move: an exclusive premiere on the streaming platform for six hours before hitting YouTube. It shows the cultural weight that GTA VI carries, able to premiere as if it were an entertainment event in its own right.
So, have you watched the Extended Look yet? Which scene got you the most hyped? There are still a few months to go until November 19, but if this look made one thing clear, it’s that the wait is going to be worth every minute.
