GTA VI Trailer: Is It Hyped or Truly Great? A Pro Trailer Editor Weighs In
The Grand Theft Auto VI trailer has taken the internet by storm, but is it as good as everyone thinks? While the masses are captivated by the graphics and seemingly likable characters, Derek Lieu, a professional game trailer editor with credits including Half-Life Alyx and Among Us, offers a critical perspective.
Lieu's Critique: Hype vs. Substance
Lieu argues that while the game looks amazing, the trailer itself falls short. "[The game] looks amazing. It looks great," Lieu told Aftermath. "A trailer is designed to do this thing well, which is to incite our emotions and show a bunch of stuff from this new thing that we haven't seen before. This trailer, or a bunch of B-roll with music over it, can kind of achieve the same thing. But that doesn't make it a good trailer. Just because people get hyped, doesn't mean it's a good trailer. If this was a better trailer, then people would be that much more hyped. They would feel, they would care." He believes a good trailer should do more than just generate hype; it should create an emotional connection and convey the stakes of the story. According to Lieu, GTA VI's trailer lacks a compelling narrative.
Narrative Vacuum
Lieu points out that the trailer reveals little about the characters' motivations or the stakes of their actions. "The only thing we know about these characters is: They do crime and they're a couple," said Lieu. "We have no idea what their motivation is. Why are they doing crime? Are they being forced to do crime? What's the reason? By the time the first part with the landlord is over, that's, like, 30 seconds into the trailer – an immense amount of time." He contrasts this with the GTA IV trailer, which quickly establishes Niko Bellic's immigrant story and aspirations.
In-House vs. Professional Editing
Lieu suggests that the trailer bears the hallmarks of an in-house production, which he describes as often being "uneven." He explains that in-house trailers sometimes rely too heavily on viewers' existing knowledge and excitement, failing to go the extra mile in storytelling and emotional connection. He adds, "In-house trailers, he said, often lean on viewers’ preexisting knowledge or excitement; they stop short of going the extra mile."
Missed Opportunities in Music and Structure
Lieu criticizes the trailer's use of music, stating that it feels "flat" and lacks the cinematic treatment it deserves. He compares it unfavorably to trailers for movies like Knives Out or games like It Takes Two, which effectively "trailer-ized" licensed music to enhance the emotional impact. He also suggests that the trailer feels disconnected, like a series of unrelated moments rather than a cohesive narrative. "The part where it's showing the two of them doing crime versus them having beers, there's space in there for really simple contrasts. They could be like 'To new beginnings' cut to [gunfire sounds] 'Hands on the floor!' to ask 'Oh, is this actually a new beginning?' To have that dramatic irony there. There' so many things you could do in there, but it just feels very disconnected. It's kind of forcing us to do the work in a not-interesting way," said Lieu.
GTA 6's Politics: A Shift in Focus?
Beyond the trailer's structure, some observers like Aftermath noted a potential shift in Rockstar Games' political stance. The trailer depicts police violence, particularly against Black individuals, and satirizes gun culture and American patriotism, suggesting a more critical social commentary than previous GTA installments. While GTA V's early marketing focused on action and anti-heroes, GTA VI's trailers emphasize character drama and present Lucia and Jason as potentially sympathetic figures, despite their criminal activities.
The Price is Right?
Adding another layer to the GTA VI discussion is the anticipated price. Analysts speculate that the game, with a rumored budget of up to $2 billion, could break the traditional AAA price point. While $70 is considered unlikely, analysts are differing with opinion. Some are speculating it could hit $80 while others are reporting it might hit $100.
Final Thoughts
While the GTA VI trailer has undoubtedly generated excitement, Lieu's critique raises important questions about its effectiveness as a piece of storytelling. Whether the trailer's shortcomings are due to strategic choices by Rockstar or simply a matter of uneven execution remains to be seen. Will the actual game deliver on the hype? What do you think of the GTA VI trailer? Is it a work of art, or just well-marketed B-roll?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Related issues news
When will Grand Theft Auto VI release?
Set to launch on May 26, 2026 , on PlayStation® 5 computer entertainment systems and Xbox Series X|S games and entertainment systems, Grand Theft Auto VI will soon be available for wishlisting on both the PlayStation and Microsoft Stores.
What consoles will GTA 6 be on?
GTA 6 Trailer 2 and Website Still Lists Release Date for PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, With No Mention of PC - IGN.
Who are the main characters of GTA 6?
You'll play as both Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, two romantic partners looking for a better life. But the rest of the cast also appears charmingly offbeat in typical Grand Theft Auto fashion, including a crime magnate, a drug runner, and a conspiracy theorist.
Will GTA 6 run on 30 fps?
Experts Say Grand Theft Auto 6 Will Probably Run at 30FPS Each Grand Theft Auto game has pushed the limits of current-day hardware, with GTA 6 possibly marking the biggest leap forward so far. According to Rockstar itself, the second trailer was captured on PS5 and included both cutscenes and actual gameplay.
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