'Grand Theft Auto VI' extended gameplay presentation: What critics and netizens are saying
The footage provides an in-depth look at the game's stunning graphics, compelling characters Jason and Lucia, intricate missions, and a significantly redesigned open-world environment set in Leonida, a state that includes the iconic Vice City
Rockstar Games has officially released "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look", a 26-minute gameplay presentation that gives players their clearest look yet at the highly anticipated game. The showcase first premiered on Netflix before being released on the official Rockstar Games YouTube channel.
Rockstar Games has officially released "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look", a 26-minute gameplay presentation that gives players their clearest look yet at the highly anticipated game. The showcase first premiered on Netflix before being released on the official Rockstar Games YouTube channel.
Rockstar Games has officially released "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look", a 26-minute gameplay presentation that gives players their clearest look yet at the highly anticipated game. The showcase first premiered on Netflix before being released on the official Rockstar Games YouTube channel.
Rockstar Games has officially released "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look", a 26-minute gameplay presentation that gives players their clearest look yet at the highly anticipated game. The showcase first premiered on Netflix before being released on the official Rockstar Games YouTube channel. The footage was captured entirely on a standard PlayStation 5, offering a detailed look at the game's graphics, characters, missions, and redesigned open-world systems ahead of its November 19, 2026 launch.
The presentation follows the game's two main characters, Jason and Lucia, as they become involved in criminal activities in Leonida, the fictional state that includes Vice City. Early missions include a shootout at a drug den and a chaotic ambush at a mansion party while the pair are working security.
One of the biggest changes is the wanted system. Police no longer automatically know about every crime the player commits. Instead, officers may only be alerted when an NPC sees the crime or when a security system detects it. Police descriptions can also track what the characters look like. This means players may need to change clothes, abandon vehicles, split up, or find other ways to avoid being identified.
The world itself is enormous. Rockstar has confirmed that the map is more than three times the size of the playable area in "Red Dead Redemption 2". NPCs also react more naturally to what happens around them. Simply displaying a weapon in public can attract attention, making everyday movement through the city more unpredictable.
Jason and Lucia's relationship is another important part of the game. Inspired by the famous criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde, the two characters can interact naturally whilst exploring the world. Players can even see them hold hands, while one character may spontaneously suggest robbing a nearby business.
Rockstar has also confirmed that GTA VI will focus exclusively on its single-player story at launch. An online multiplayer mode is planned for a later date.
Critics have generally praised the game's impressive scale and attention to detail. Publications such as WIRED, The Verge, and BBC News have described Vice City as dense, lively, and full of Florida-inspired activities, including boating and scuba diving. Reviewers also believe the game maintains the chaotic exploration and social satire that have become central to the GTA series.
However, the presentation wasn’t without some criticism. WIRED noted that some raw gameplay footage appeared flatter and less colourful than the cinematic scenes. Critics also pointed out that some darker sequences had lighting problems that occasionally made the facial features of Black characters harder to see.
Fans have reacted enthusiastically to the footage, particularly the graphics running on a base PlayStation 5. The smooth character switching between Jason and Lucia during police chases has also received praise.
There was some frustration, however, over the presentation's Netflix debut. Some fans disliked having to wait for the free YouTube release while the showcase was initially available to Netflix subscribers.
Overall, the new footage has strengthened expectations for "Grand Theft Auto VI". Despite criticism over certain visual details and its Netflix-first release, the showcase suggests Rockstar is building one of its most ambitious and detailed open worlds yet.