Recently, the entire gaming world's attention has been focused on Japan—not because of local releases, but due to the heated controversies surrounding two major Western projects set in Japanese locales. Assassin's Creed Shadows and Ghost of Yotei sparked fierce debates about historical accuracy, cultural interpretations, and the right to "Japanese history". Against the backdrop of these fiery discussions, the reaction of Japanese gamers themselves stands out—they've been completely absorbed in... discussing Grand Theft Auto 6.

Official Grand Theft Auto 6 screenshotImage: rockstargames.com

The second trailer for GTA 6 became a sensation in Japanese social media. PlayStation Japan's X account posted the trailer with Japanese subtitles, and it amassed over 1.3 million views, along with thousands of likes and reposts. Many users admitted in the comments that the trailer impressed them so much they're ready to buy a PS5 just for the new installment of Rockstar's legendary series.

Here are just a few representative comments:

  • "Now I have a reason to buy a PS5!"
  • "Of course, I'd prefer to play on PC, but since that version is coming later—I'll have to get the console"
  • "I guess it's finally time to buy a PlayStation 5"
  • "After this trailer, I don't even care what platform I play on—I just want it as soon as possible"

This raises an inevitable comparison with Ghost of Yotei and Assassin's Creed Shadows, which some Japanese producers expected to be hits in Japan (though Ghost of Yotei's reception remains to be seen). Paradoxically, however, it's GTA 6—set in a fictional, and moreover, American state—that has sparked such an enthusiastic and, importantly, genuine reaction from Japanese audiences. Ironically, it seems Japanese gamers are more excited about chaos and destruction in Vice City than cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

Japanese users were particularly vocal about the trailer's final shot, which clearly states: "Captured on PS5". Fans lamented that the PC version will come later, making a next-gen console an unavoidable purchase.

Main image: rockstargames.com

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