Since Rockstar Games formalized the release of GTA 6 for November 2026, the publisher’s every move has been scrutinized. The latest: a postponement of a GTA Online update, initially scheduled for December 9 and postponed to the next day. This simple slip was enough to revive rumors of a potential surprise announcement, such as a new trailer, awaited for almost two years.
In this update titled A Safehouse In the HillsMichael de Santa — one of the heroes of GTA 5 — enters the online mode for the very first time. A coincidence that may not be a coincidence: for many fans, this planned return of the character is seen as a way of preparing the ground for GTA 6, where Michael could also appear.
A viral return from Michael which revives the emotions of fans
On social media, screenshots of Michael aging in GTA Online sparked an avalanche of reactions. Actor Ned Luke, official voice of the character, even said a famous message: “Dad is back, you b******.”
Comments on Reddit were quick to follow, in a mixture of nostalgia and scathing humor. “At this rate, we will see Jimmy’s children in GTA 5.”, quipped one Internet user. Another summed up the general feeling poetically: “What do you mean? It’s still early days.”
Graphics so stunning that they surpass reality?
Among the most commented on elements, a viral comparison between a photo of a Miami hotel and a capture from GTA 6 caused a reaction: The GTA capture is more beautiful than the real photo, not gonna lie 💀”. The striking resemblance, and especially the level of detail, makes players salivate.
Some go so far as to compare the game’s vehicles to those of Gran Turismo. One Redditor ventured: “GTA 6 will overtake Gran Turismo on cars.” To which the majority responded with skepticism. “Sorry, but I highly doubt it. The whole point of Gran Turismo is cars.”
An endless wait that fuels frustration
It’s now been over 10 years since GTA 5 was released. Since then, the players have been stamping their feet. The slightest leak, like that of a developer having published motion capture sequences on Vimeo, instantly ignites the community. Even the previous trailers remain engraved in the memory. One user sums up this collective despair: “They could throw the game discreetly at 3:15 a.m. on a Tuesday […] and it would still blow up the Internet.”
As the official date slowly approaches, fans are asking for more. Some are even calling for the monthly publication of screenshots to “keep the flame burning”.