Insider doubts GTA 6 pre-order leak, saying trailer #3 may not surface until July

Excitement grew among Rockstar Games fans after a Best Buy affiliate email appeared. The message suggested that GTA 6 pre-orders will open on May 18th. However, Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming is among several skeptics who have questioned that timing.

Along with a co-panel, Henderson addressed the topic on a recent podcast. The journalist is generally viewed as reliable, even if his track record with Rockstar developments isn’t spotless. While doubting a GTA 6 release date delay, he expects as far as pre-orders or a third trailer, “we're not going to get anything tangible until uh July, August.”

Is the May 18th hype justified?

The insider verified that the Best Buy email was legitimate, but it could have been sent prematurely. Buyers may need to wait until later in the summer to reserve the game. Henderson is careful to note that his prediction isn’t based on any new information. Still, other prominent leakers haven’t seen signs that May 18th will be an eventful day.

As mentioned in the podcast, billbil-kun frequently learns about retailers' plans in advance. Unfortunately, when asked about the Best Buy leak, he said he had “Nothing interesting for now” to report. The trusted NateTheHate also hasn’t shared that pre-orders or that a new trailer is imminent.

A Rockstar update remains likely

Henderson believes that, ahead of the Take-Two Interactive earnings call on May 21st, gamers will hear an update. Still, the company may simply reaffirm the GTA 6 release date and ask them to stay tuned for more news. Even if pre-orders do begin, that wouldn’t guarantee a trailer premiere.

Some fans are pushing back on the idea that marketing wouldn’t start until July or later. On the subject, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has given mixed signals. Recently, he hinted that the game’s development was on track and advertising efforts would step up “soon.” Yet, he previously stated that the campaign would be short and high-impact.

Gamers are debating whether the title warrants a longer promotional period than 3-4 months. It’s a massively anticipated project, but as discussed on the podcast, GTA 6 leaks often serve as marketing. The Best Buy pre-order report alone led to a surge in the publisher’s stock.