This week, the release of the trailer for GTA VI captured the attention of video game enthusiasts. Highly anticipated, Rockstar’s new title now boasts an official release date that appears to have significance.
GTA VI: Hidden References Behind the Release Date
As Grand Theft Auto V approaches its twelfth anniversary this September, fans of Rockstar’s iconic franchise eagerly await the sixth installment. Initially slated for release in late 2025, the game has now been postponed to May 26, 2026. This delay, attributed to Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar’s commitment to delivering a fully polished game that meets fan expectations, accompanied the release of a second trailer on YouTube — the first since December 2023 — which shattered all viewership records. The upcoming title will center around a couple of criminals, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, who find themselves unwittingly entwined in a large-scale conspiracy that shakes the state of Leonida.
Symbolism in the Date: Bonnie and Clyde
While the delay has disappointed many eager fans, the release date of May 26, 2026, is not arbitrary. It seemingly references two significant events, one connected to the franchise’s lore. The choice of a couple as protagonists draws an immediate parallel to Bonnie and Clyde, notorious bank robbers during the Great Depression. Immortalized in multiple films, the star-crossed lovers were shot dead by federal police on June 23, 1934. Maurauding through history, Bonnie was laid to rest three days later, on May 26, followed by Clyde’s burial the following day. This date thus serves as a nod to the criminals that inspired Jason and Lucia’s characters.
However, this may not be the only tribute concealed in the release date. French YouTuber Captain Popcorn highlighted an additional layer of significance in a video analyzing hidden references in the second trailer of Grand Theft Auto VI. Notably, on May 26, 2022, American actor Ray Liotta, celebrated for his iconic role in Goodfellas and his performance in The Many Saints of Newark, passed away in his sleep. Liotta was intrinsically linked to the Grand Theft Auto saga, having lent his voice and likeness to Tommy Vercetti, the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, one of the franchise’s most beloved games since its release in 2002.
Regardless, anticipation is building for the release of GTA VI. May 2026 promises to be an eventful month for pop culture enthusiasts!
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