GTA VI Leak Offers First Look at In-Development Gameplay Mechanics

Grand Theft Auto VI continues to be one of the most anticipated video game releases in history, with fans eagerly awaiting updates. Recently, a leak has provided a glimpse into the game’s development. A former Rockstar Games employee released a demo reel showing early in-development footage of GTA VI, arriving nearly two years after the franchise’s record-breaking official reveal in December 2023.

New Gameplay Mechanics Revealed

The leaked demo highlights several animations that hint at both returning and new gameplay features. One clip shows a generic player character interacting with a bike rental station, demonstrating animations for paying to secure a bike and mounting or dismounting it. This confirms that bicycle rental shops, first introduced in GTA 5, will return in the sequel.

The leak also suggests enhanced vehicle interactions. Another clip shows protagonist Lucia Caminos hopping off the roof of a pickup truck, implying that players may now ride in the bed of pickup trucks. This feature could allow trucks to carry more passengers, significantly impacting both GTA VI and its online variant. The demo reel also included animations from Rockstar classics such as Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 5, and Max Payne 3.

GTA VI: Return to Vice City

Leaks and rumours indicate that GTA VI will mark the franchise’s first return to Vice City since 2007’s Vice City Stories. The new Florida-inspired environment is expected to feature deeper interiors and more explorable spaces than previous entries.

Rockstar Games is reportedly expanding available activities. Players can anticipate challenges like hunting and scuba diving, alongside classic mini-games. Combat may feel familiar to fans of Rockstar’s other titles, with rumours suggesting a revamped cover system inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2. With protagonists Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval leading the story, fans are eager to see how these new features will shape gameplay in 2026.

Launch Date and Anticipation

Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, following a delay from the previously expected May 26 debut. The game will arrive more than 12 years after GTA 5.

Despite the wait, excitement remains high. The Game Awards recently nominated GTA VI for “Most Anticipated Game” for the second consecutive year, after it won the award last year.