‘GTA 6’ announcement: Why it could happen at Super Bowl LV and why it might not

Anyone who has been devotedly following every rumor, speculation, and very little report about “GTA 6” has likely heard of the recent suggestion that the game could be announced during the Super Bowl LV. While an event of this magnitude makes sense for such a huge announcement, there are also other factors to consider before fully subscribing to this new theory.

Super Bowl LV is happening in Florida with The Weeknd’s performance

The suggestion that the “GTA 6” announcement could happen next month during one of America’s biggest sporting events started on Reddit. In making their case, Reddit user ItsTreDay primarily took note that the Super Bowl LV is happening in Florida — in Tampa, to be exact.

They also suggested that having The Weeknd for the Super Bowl’s famed half-time performance could be another hint at an imminent “GTA 6” announcement. Last year, the “Blinding Lights” singer sparked rumors when the music video for the said song included what appeared to be a reference to the unannounced game.

Super Bowl LV’s viewership makes it the right stage for ‘GTA 6’ announcement

The Super Bowl’s viewership alone makes sense for any company to choose it as a venue for big announcements like “GTA 6.” Last year, the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers garnered 99.9 million TV viewers through the FOX network. With the views generated from digital platforms, the average audience reportedly reached 102.1 million and peaked at 103.5 million.

This year, Super Bowl LV is happening on Sunday, Feb. 7, with a TV broadcast on CBS and ESPN for Spanish-speaking viewers. The Chiefs are aiming for a back-to-back championship against the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

There are better events for the ‘GTA 6’ announcement, though

However, some fans argue that Rockstar Games does not need the Super Bowl stage to hype up “GTA 6.” Based on how much fans have been eagerly waiting for any announcement from the developer, it makes sense for Rockstar to opt for a different venue for the first confirmation of the unannounced game.

Even without the massive Super Bowl viewership, Rockstar would not have a problem launching “GTA 6.” As of the first half of 2020, “GTA V” already sold more than 130 million copies worldwide. It is then not surprising if Rockstar skips the Super Bowl LV as being rumored and goes for a more gaming-centric event.

Rockstar has other big projects in 2021 that’s not ‘GTA 6’

Now, this is the hard pill. There is no guarantee that a “GTA 6” announcement — in any venue or event — is slated this early in 2021. Rockstar has not even publicly mentioned the game’s existence yet. And the developer also has other “GTA” projects to put the spotlight on this year.

Rockstar announced that the “GTA V” is getting another expanded version designed for next-gen consoles, and the developer has yet to release a comprehensive gameplay preview for that. It is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2021, possibly exclusive on the PS5 first.