GTA 6 Easter Egg References Hidden In Plain Sight

GTA 6 Easter Egg References Hidden In Plain Sight
Introduction

After years of anticipation, Rockstar Games finally released the first official trailer for the highly-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) in October 2022. Set in the fan-favorite location of Vice City, which was first introduced in the 2002 game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, the action-packed trailer gave fans a taste of what’s to come in the new installment while also including many subtle references and Easter eggs hinting at details about the characters, story, and setting.

While brief at just around one minute long, the trailer provides a wealth of hints about what players can expect when the game launches, likely sometime in 2024. Upon freeze-framing and analyzing each scene, fans have uncovered numerous Easter eggs and references hidden throughout the footage. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most intriguing secrets and details revealed in the first GTA 6 trailer.

Have you watched the trailer yet?

Vice City Setting

The very first shot of the trailer is an establishing shot of Vice City, indicating that GTA 6 will be set in this iconic city from the Grand Theft Auto series. Fans who played GTA Vice City will instantly recognize the bright neon lights and beachfront high-rises that defined the 1980s aesthetic of the city.

Multiple shots throughout the trailer showcase Vice City’s mix of Art Deco and modern architecture along with its downtown and beachside neighborhoods. Eagle-eyed fans may spot familiar locales like Ocean Beach, Washington Beach, and Downtown Vice City.

The setting is unmistakably Vice City but advanced by a few decades, with modern cars and details hinting this is a present-day Vice City. However, the 80s vibe still permeates throughout the trailer with retro styling. This allows Rockstar to tap into nostalgia for long-time fans while also showcasing how Vice City has evolved.

Characters

The GTA 6 trailer provides some glimpses of characters that will likely play major roles in the game. Most notably, we get a close look at what appears to be the new protagonist. He is a young Hispanic man with short black hair, wearing a blue floral shirt. Based on his appearance and the Vice City setting, he seems inspired by drug dealers from the 1980s such as the central character in the series Narcos.

In an action sequence, we also see a female character with long brown hair, aviator sunglasses, a black tank top, and neck tattoo. She seems like a potential ally or love interest for the main character. There are also shots showing groups of characters at parties, bars, and restaurants. Though we don’t get a close look at them, this suggests a diverse cast of NPCs inhabiting the GTA 6 version of Vice City.

Vehicles

The GTA 6 trailer showcases several iconic vehicles from the series’ past. Fans were thrilled to spot some of their old favorites rolling through the streets of Vice City.

One of the most iconic cars shown is Tommy Vercetti’s 1986 sports car. This white convertible looks just like the one players drove throughout the streets of Vice City back in 2002. It’s a reminder of where the series started and a hint that old characters may make appearances.

Fans also spotted newer models like the Grotti Turismo making an appearance. This supercar debuted in GTA IV and has been featured in several games since. The Turismo’s sleek curves and Italian styling make it a staple of the series. Based on spots in the trailer, it looks like players will be able to get behind the wheel in the new Vice City.

Other models include muscle cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and more. The variety of vehicles promises exciting races and chases when GTA 6 releases. Players love customizing their rides, so fans are eager to see all the options for upgrades and tuning that will be available. Judging by the trailer, everything from tuners to exotics will be cruising Vice City soon.

Overall, the trailer indicates GTA 6 will bring back iconic cars from the past while also introducing new models. Players can look forward to putting together their dream garage when they return to the sun-soaked streets of Vice City.

Businesses

The trailer takes us all around Vice City, giving a glimpse at many in-game businesses through their logos and signs.

A neon sign for the familiar Ammu-Nation gun store can be seen, likely continuing its parody of real world gun retailers. We also see storefront signs for GASH luxury department store, likely a play on high-end real world stores like Saks Fifth Avenue.

For fast food, we spot both Cluckin’ Bell and Burger Shot establishments, the GTA versions of KFC and Burger King. Sprunk soda ads are visible too, GTA’s twist on Sprite.

On the transportation side, FlyUS airline ads appear, similar to real airlines like United and American Airlines.

For entertainment, fans spotted the logo for comedy club Split Sides, potentially featuring stand-up comedy acts. We also see signs for nightclubs like Maisonette 9, a callback to previous games.

It’s fun spotting these parody brands and companies scattered throughout Vice City, as it helps GTA build a satirical world that still feels grounded in reality. Most of the businesses seen in the trailer are returning franchises within the GTA universe. Their logos and signs add character and humor to the environment.

Radio Stations

The GTA 6 trailer provides brief clips of audio from various radio stations that will likely be featured in the game. Fans were quick to pick up on familiar stations from past Vice City games like Wave 103, Flash FM, Emotion 98.3, and V-Rock. The synthpop sounds of Wave 103 and Flash FM’s funky beats are reminiscent of the 80s setting. Emotion 98.3’s salsa tunes and V-Rock’s hard rock lineup further round out the diverse radio offerings.

While they’ve only been teased briefly, it’s clear that music and radio will play a big role in creating the atmosphere and vibe of Vice City once again. Speeding down neon-lit streets while 80s hits play loudly will make players feel transported back to this iconic decade that defined the city. The trailer is just a small preview of what will likely be hours of licensed music and original radio chatter across over a dozen unique stations. Fans have dissected every hint of audio in hopes of deciphering more details before the game’s eventual release. For many, the radio personalities and songs of GTA are just as memorable as the games themselves. This trailer suggests listeners can look forward to sinking their teeth into another incredible soundtrack when GTA 6 hits shelves.

Is this a gameplay leak?

You be the judge
References to Past Games

Fans were thrilled to see several nods to previous Grand Theft Auto games hidden inside the GTA 6 trailer. These easter eggs suggest that GTA 6 will have connections to other titles in the franchise.

One of the most obvious references is the appearance of Vice City, the setting for 2002’s Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The neon-drenched setting is unmistakable, confirming rumors that GTA 6 will return to this fan-favorite city.

Several characters from past games also appear briefly in the trailer. At one point, a character that looks strikingly similar to Tommy Vercetti, the protagonist of Vice City, is visible. Fans speculate this could mean Tommy will play a role in GTA 6’s story.

Other characters that make possible cameos include CJ from San Andreas and Niko Bellic from GTA 4. Though their appearances are very brief, it gets fans excited at the prospect of these beloved characters crossing over into the new game.

Beyond characters, some iconic vehicles from previous games also show up. Most notably, a sports car resembling the Cheetah from GTA 3 appears during one of the chase sequences. It’s a thrill for long-time fans to spot these classic cars still present in the GTA world.

Rockstar packed the trailer with nostalgic references to get fans speculating about how GTA 6 will connect back to the broader franchise. Catching these easter eggs provides a taste of the fun that awaits when the game launches.

Map Details

The GTA 6 trailer provides some intriguing glimpses of the map that players will get to explore. Fans have pored over every frame searching for clues about the landscape and geography of this new Vice City.

Several sweeping shots in the trailer showcase Vice City’s iconic beachfront, with white sand, palm trees, and crystal blue waters. The trails through the city provide a first look at the massive scope and scale of the map. Players can expect sprawling urban areas filled with towering skyscrapers, along with suburban neighborhoods and industrial sectors.

Eagle-eyed viewers have spotted some of Vice City’s most famous landmarks, like the large Vice City sign overlooking the beach. The iconic Ocean View Hotel also makes an appearance, seemingly modeled after the real-life Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami.

Fans have also caught glimpses of locations that seem inspired by real Miami spots like the Venetian Causeway, the Port of Miami, and South Pointe Park. The trailer shows characters driving along wide multi-lane highways as well as narrower streets lined with lush tropical foliage.

While the full map is still shrouded in mystery, the trailer provides enough visual clues about the diverse terrain to get fans excited about exploring every nook and cranny of this expansive new Vice City. The mixture of urban cityscapes and natural environments will lead to thrilling gameplay across the land, air, and sea.

Potential Story Details

The GTA 6 trailer provides some hints about the potential story and plot based on what is shown visually in the trailer.

The trailer shows a focus on two main characters, a male and female protagonist. This suggests that GTA 6 may have a storyline that revolves around both characters. Based on their appearances and interactions, they seem to know each other well and may be partners in crime.

Several scenes show the characters involved in dangerous and high-action scenarios like a gun fight, car chase, and explosion. This implies that the story could involve high stakes criminal activities like heists, drug deals gone wrong, gang rivalry, or taking down a crime syndicate.

There are shots of the characters in conversation with shady looking characters in seedy locales. This hints that the protagonists may be building connections and alliances with other criminals as part of their rise in the criminal underworld.

The lavish mansion party scene suggests that one or both protagonists may be working to infiltrate and blend in with Vice City’s elite class and wealthy criminals. Gaining access and trust could be part of a larger plot.

The scenes set in tropical locations and on boats point towards drug smuggling playing a role in the narrative. Vice City is known for being a hub for drug trades.

Overall, the trailer sets up a gritty crime story likely involving ambitious protagonists, lethal enemies, high-risk crime jobs, and power struggles within Vice City’s criminal underworld. Plot specifics remain a mystery but the trailer provides plenty of juicy hints.

Conclusion

The first trailer for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI contained numerous easter eggs providing clues about the next installment in the blockbuster series. Fans carefully analyzed each frame of the trailer to uncover references hinting at everything from the game’s setting and characters to potential storyline elements.

One of the most notable easter eggs was the prominence of Vice City, the fictional Miami-like city that served as the backdrop for 2002’s Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The art deco buildings, neon-lit streets, and beachfront views unmistakably signal that players will be returning to this fan-favorite location. Based on the aging infrastructure and vehicles, it appears the game may take place in a 1980s version of Vice City.

Other easter eggs provided glimpses of new and returning characters. We see a first look at what could be a younger protagonist reminiscent of Tommy Vercetti from Vice City. The appearance of a female companion, potentially a new lead character, also stands out. Brief shots of locations like the Malibu Club point to possible appearances from older characters as well.

Fans also spotted period-appropriate cars, businesses, and billboards referencing the 80s setting. The soundtrack includes hits from the decade, suggesting an iconic Vice City radio experience. Subtle references to past games abound as well, like a binco clothing store, ammunition crate, and motel sign. A street sign even references Grove Street from San Andreas.

While plot details remain a mystery, the trailer provides several clues about the tone and atmosphere of GTA VI. The prominence of a horse racing track could signal gambling or money laundering may play a role. And the inclusion of what looks like a drug deal points toward potential seedy criminal undertones.

Overall, Rockstar packed this first teaser trailer with nostalgic Vice City easter eggs that have fans buzzing with speculation about what’s to come. As we await more substantial glimpses of GTA VI, the community will continue scouring each trailer frame by frame for insights into this exciting next chapter for the groundbreaking franchise.