Quick Answer: A recent Reddit post on r/GTA6 (now with 500+ upvotes) sparked discussion by sharing old comments from the GTA V trailer—many of which were skeptical, critical, or even dismissive. The post humorously contrasts those early reactions with today’s overwhelming hype for GTA 6, highlighting how fan sentiment evolves and why history often repeats itself in the Rockstar community.
The Viral Post That Made Everyone Laugh
On April 3, 2025, a Reddit user named u/No-Designer5738 submitted a simple post to r/GTA6: “i can’t help but laugh with some of the comments on the gta v trailer LOL”. The post quickly gathered over 500 upvotes, sparking a wave of nostalgia and self-reflection among fans. While the original thread doesn’t include specific screenshots (the user only provided a link with no text), the community immediately understood the reference—many users took to the comments to recall and share their own memories of reading early GTA V trailer comments that were skeptical, nitpicky, or outright wrong.
This phenomenon is not new; every Rockstar game release attracts a mix of hype and doubt. But the fact that this post resonated so strongly in 2025—nearly 12 years after GTA V’s first trailer dropped—shows just how much the community is measuring its current expectations against past experiences.
What the GTA V Trailer Comments Actually Said
To understand the humor, let’s revisit the context: GTA V’s first trailer launched on November 2, 2011. At the time, fans were emerging from the GTA IV era—a game praised for its deep narrative but criticized for its comparatively smaller map and lack of countryside. Early comments on YouTube and forums included gems like:
- “This looks like a DLC for GTA IV, not a new game.” – Many thought the engine hadn’t changed enough.
- “Three protagonists? That’s going to ruin the story.” – A common fear that GTA V’s ambitious multiple-character system would be confusing.
- “Graphics aren’t that impressive—I’ve seen better in Crysis.” – The never-ending graphics debate.
- “Vice City? No wait, it’s Los Santos again? Boring.” – Prior to the reveal, many wanted a Vice City return.
- “This is just a rehash of San Andreas with better textures.” – Underestimating the sheer scope of the game.
Most of these concerns aged poorly. GTA V became the fastest-selling entertainment product in history, earned near-universal acclaim, and its three-protagonist system is now considered a benchmark. The Reddit post’s humor stems from the irony of those comments—and the realization that the GTA 6 community is likely repeating the same cycle today.
Why This Matters for GTA 6
1. The Hype Cycle is Predictable
Rockstar games follow a well-known pattern: early skepticism → first trailer excitement → second trailer debates → gameplay reveal division → release day acceptance → years of praise. We saw it with GTA IV (“too grey, too serious”), GTA V (“too much focus on money”), and Red Dead Redemption 2 (“too slow, too realistic”). Today, GTA 6 is in the early hype phase, and the first trailer (December 2023) was overwhelmingly positive—but that doesn’t mean doubts won’t resurface.
2. The “GTA Online 2” Debate
One recurring theme in recent GTA 6 discussions mirrors the old GTA V comments about single-player vs. online. Back in 2011, fans worried GTA V would be too much like a “shallow action movie.” Today, the community is split on whether GTA Online 2 will overshadow the single-player campaign. History suggests both will coexist, but the fear is understandable—especially given how GTA Online became a massive moneymaker for Rockstar.
3. Graphics Aren’t Everything
In 2011, GTA V’s graphics were considered good but not revolutionary. By 2013, the game looked stunning, and even more so with the 2014-2015 PC/next-gen ports. The GTA 6 trailer already looks photorealistic, yet some commenters still nitpick lighting or textures. The lesson: visuals improve dramatically post-launch, and early trailer comparisons to current engines are often misleading.
What This Reveals About the GTA 6 Community
The Reddit post also highlights the unusual bond between GTA V veterans and GTA 6 newcomers. The original post and its related threads (like “Rockstar never fails to amaze me” and “This better come back. That’s all.”) show a community that is simultaneously nostalgic and hyper-critical. Many users are looking back at GTA V trailer comments to remind themselves to trust the process—while also demanding that Rockstar evolve the formula.
Community sentiment summary (based on Reddit reactions):
- 50% humor – laughing at the irony of old takes.
- 30% reflection – users admitting they themselves were skeptical about GTA V at first.
- 15% criticism – pointing out that some GTA V trailer criticisms (e.g., lack of interiors, NPC density) actually had merit and weren’t fully addressed.
- 5% concern – worrying that GTA 6 hype might lead to disappointment.
Notably, the related post “Rockstar never fails to amaze me” (also by u/ReddVevyy) reinforces the idea that despite early skepticism, Rockstar delivers. But the post “This better come back. That’s all.” (by u/Kookyspooky_69) signals a desire for specific features from older games (likely weapon wheels, property buying, or minigames) that fans hope GTA 6 will reintroduce.
Lessons from GTA V’s Trailer Legacy
Let’s put this in perspective with a historical comparison:
| Aspect | GTA V First Trailer (Nov 2011) | GTA 6 First Trailer (Dec 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | PS3, Xbox 360 (last-gen) | PS5, Xbox Series X (current-gen) |
| Map size | Smaller than San Andreas (supposedly) | 2.5x larger than GTA V (confirmed) |
| Protagonists | 3 male (unknown structure) | 1 male, 1 female (rumored Lucia/Jason) |
| Setting | Return to Los Santos | Return to Vice City (Leonida) |
| Reception | Positive but cautious | Overwhelmingly positive (record views) |
| Main criticisms | Graphics seem dated, story too linear, too similar to GTA IV | Lack of gameplay footage, possible microtransaction focus, potential delay |
While GTA 6’s trailer was far more polished and revealed a fully in-engine cutscene, many of the same types of comments appeared: “Looks like RDR2 with cars”, “Too much pink/neon”, “No gameplay = bad sign”. The 2023 trailer still holds the record for most-viewed non-music video on YouTube in 24 hours—proving the hype is real, but skepticism lingers.
How History Might Repeat (or Not)
The “Three Protagonists” Parallel
Back in 2011, the idea of playing as Michael, Franklin, and Trevor seemed risky. Today, many worry that Lucia and Jason as a Bonnie-and-Clyde duo might be too cliché or that Rockstar won’t manage dual perspectives well. But given that Rockstar pulled off three protagonists flawlessly in 2013—and learned from that experience—it’s plausible that a pair will work even better.
The “Map Too Small” Trope
Before GTA V’s release, there were rumors the map was only 49 square miles (it ended up being slightly larger after release). Today, GTA 6’s map is reportedly 2.5x larger, but some fans worry it will be empty—a criticism also levelled at GTA V’s rural areas. Rockstar likely learned from Red Dead Redemption 2’s density to fill the world with activities.
The Online Future
GTA V’s trailer heavily featured single-player, and GTA Online wasn’t announced until later. For GTA 6, Rockstar has already confirmed GTA Online 2 will launch alongside—or shortly after—the main game. This transparency reduces some uncertainty but also fuels debates about monetization. The community is anxiously watching for any announcement of microtransaction changes.
Rumors & Unconfirmed Theories
While the primary source is simply a Reddit post about past comments, the discussion naturally leads to speculative comparisons between GTA V and GTA 6 development. Here are some related community theories:
- Theory: Rockstar is deliberately delaying a second trailer to manage expectations. Some redditors believe the first trailer was intentionally light on gameplay to avoid the over-analysis that plagued GTA V’s early footage. If true, this strategy might backfire if delays stretch too long.
- Theory: The GTA V trailer comments prove that fan skepticism is often wrong. Optimists argue that almost every complaint about GTA V was forgotten post-release, so GTA 6 will similarly shine. Pessimists counter that Rockstar’s track record isn’t immune—RDR2 had a slower than expected start in online, and GTA Online’s grind remains controversial.
- Theory: There’s a pattern of misdirection. Just as GTA V’s trailer made Los Santos look like a direct recreation (while hiding the immense countryside and underwater areas), GTA 6’s trailer might misrepresent the actual map size or features. Fans speculate that the iconic vice beach scene might be just one of many biomes.
Note: These are speculative points raised by the community, not confirmed by Rockstar. All theories should be treated as unverified until official information emerges.
Final Thoughts
The Reddit post “i can’t help but laugh with some of the comments on the gta v trailer LOL” serves as a valuable mirror for the GTA 6 community. It reminds us that every Rockstar game has been doubted, criticized, and ultimately loved. While it’s easy to laugh at old comments, we should also check our own biases. GTA 6 will undoubtedly have flaws, but history suggests the core experience will be extraordinary.
As the saying goes: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” The GTA community’s eternal cycle of hype, doubt, and eventual awe continues—and we’re all part of it.
What do you think? Are you repeating the same skepticism as GTA V fans did, or are you riding the hype train? Share your thoughts in the comments below.