After over a decade of anticipation, Rockstar Games finally unveiled the first official trailer for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6. Within just 10 days, the reveal amassed a staggering 150 million views – shattering records and whetting players’ appetites for more details about the next installment in Rockstar’s flagship series.
As expected, hardcore GTA fans immediately began scrutinizing every frame of the trailer, searching for hints about what’s to come. Eager-eyed players ended up spotting a cleverly hidden easter egg harkening back to one of Rockstar’s other massively successful titles – Red Dead Redemption 2.
The Hidden Gem
In the heart-pounding trailer, Lucia and Jason storm a convenience store with weapons drawn, ready to pull off a daring robbery. As they hastily grab cash from the register and stuff it into a duffle bag, a quick glimpse reveals a vintage “Wanted” poster on the window.
Though it might seem like a minor background element, an internet sleuth named ‘Tempest’ spotted something intriguing. The silhouette on the poster bears a striking resemblance to a lesser-known character, Everett Morgan, from Red Dead Redemption 2’s online multiplayer mode.
In the immersive world of Red Dead Online’s wild west, players can act as bounty hunters pursuing computer-controlled outlaws like Morgan. Tracking these bandits through rough terrain, players must capture them alive or, if necessary, bring back their lifeless bodies for a cash reward.
Something you prob missed is that this Sticker in the #GTAVI Trailer looks very Similar to the #RDR2 Character Everett Morgan pic.twitter.com/zDPTcOizmv
— 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐭 (@tempestGTA) December 12, 2023
As Tempest pointed out in a widely shared forum post, the silhouette on Morgan’s in-game wanted poster perfectly matches the one seen in the GTA 6 trailer — the broad-brimmed hat, short hair, and bandana covering the face — making it an unmistakable nod to Rockstar’s previous blockbuster release.
Other Red Dead Redemption Easter Eggs Hinted At
Enthusiastic fans quickly filled the comments expressing their recognition of this hidden detail. One fan proudly claimed, “I already knew about the Easter Egg when the trailer was released,” and confidently asserted, “It’s definitely [Morgan]. The silhouette matches perfectly.”
Considering the immense success of Red Dead Redemption 2, widely regarded as a pinnacle in gaming artistry, the incorporation of its essence into GTA 6 doesn’t come as a surprise. Just as previous Grand Theft Auto games subtly acknowledged the contemporary Red Dead titles, fans anticipate that the upcoming Vice City-inspired adventure will hide secrets as a tribute to Arthur Morgan’s impactful Western saga.
While the identified wanted poster early on stands out as a clear reference to RDR 2, it’s likely just the beginning, and fans can expect more hidden nods throughout the game.
A Shared Outlaw Pedigree
Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead both follow a loose storyline that captures the fading era of American outlaw legends, characterized by violence. While Grand Theft Auto relies more on exaggerated satire, immersing its crime simulation in the warped perspective of contemporary pop culture and tabloid television, Red Dead adopts a more mournful tone. It plunges players into the concluding chapters of the Old West, portraying the waning days of lawlessness as industrialization and government control quash the untamed frontier.
Despite their differing tones, these two immensely popular series share a thematic thread. Both feature rebellious antiheroes resisting the encroaching forces of organized civilization, vehemently seeking to retain lost freedoms.
Whether examining mechanical intricacies or stylistic elements, establishing connections between these franchises feels inherently seamless.
Other GTA 6 Easter Eggs Still Hidden
Fans analyzing the latest trailer haven’t found big secrets like the obvious Red Dead Redemption 2 nod. Yet, it’s likely that when GTA 6 hits, players exploring Vice City will discover hidden surprises Rockstar has kept under wraps.
As we eagerly await more trailers with exciting Easter eggs, burning questions about GTA 6’s platforms, multiplayer, and the experience of cruising through Vice City to old-school hip hop beats remain unanswered.
Despite the uncertainty, delving into early trailers provides insightful glimpses into GTA’s future, drawing on its rich history. Kudos to dedicated Rockstar fans dissecting every frame, eagerly anticipating the release and the virtual adventures that await next year.
Also Read: GTA 6 Key Art Leaks First Look at Vice City Map: Details and Analysis
