GTA 6 Expected 2026 Launch Shows Expanded Florida-Inspired Map

Grand Theft Auto VI, set for release on May 26, 2026, has sparked a massive fan-driven mapping project that meticulously decodes every trailer frame to reconstruct its expansive, Florida-inspired fictional state of Leonida, including Vice City and surrounding areas. Rockstar Games confirmed that the recently released second trailer was captured entirely in-game on PlayStation 5, blending cutscenes and gameplay so seamlessly that discerning between the two has been challenging for fans, heightening anticipation. The game introduces dual protagonists, Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, embroiled in a criminal conspiracy across Leonida, with rich supporting characters detailed on the official website, offering deeper narrative context. Originally planned for fall 2025, the delay to 2026 aims to ensure quality, with the game exclusive to current-generation consoles and promising dynamic features like stealth mechanics, sprawling rural and urban environments, and the largest map in GTA history. Development intensified around 2018 after the release of Red Dead Redemption 2, with Rockstar navigating challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and internal restructuring, contributing to the lengthy production cycle. Overall, the combination of innovative gameplay presentation, extensive world-building, and compelling storytelling positions GTA VI to potentially redefine open-world gaming.