Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is one of the most anticipated video games in recent years. Fans all over the world have been eagerly waiting for its release, but the wait continues as Rockstar Games has pushed the release date to 2026.
While this delay disappointed many, it also made sense because the game looks like it’s still being improved. The graphics and design in the new trailers show that Rockstar is working hard to make the game better.
But something interesting that fans noticed recently — one of the characters in GTA 6 seems to have had a major makeover.
This change has caught the attention of many in the gaming community, and people are talking about why it happened.
Let’s explore what’s going on with this character, what might have caused the change, and what it means for GTA 6 and its fans.
The Character That Got a Makeover
In the trailers for GTA 6, there is a non-playable character (NPC) who appears briefly but noticeably. This character showed up in the original GTA 6 trailer and again in the newer trailer. However, when fans looked closely, they saw that the character’s look has changed.
In the first trailer, this NPC was seen greeting a friend. His appearance included a specific hairstyle, facial hair, sunglasses, and clothing. But in the new trailer, the character is posing for a camera with another NPC, and several things about his look are different.
His hair and beard style have been altered, his sunglasses now have a more translucent lens style, and he wears a backwards cap, which was not there before. His outfit remains mostly the same, but these changes to his face and accessories have stood out.
The character’s name is still unknown, but the difference in his appearance has led to discussions online, especially on channels like GTAVI_Countdown, which focus on GTA 6 news and updates.
Why Did Rockstar Change the NPC’s Look?
One popular theory among fans is that Rockstar Games changed this NPC’s appearance because of a claim made after the original trailer was released.
A TikTok user named zoeepoppyy posted a video saying that the NPC looks just like him. He shared side-by-side comparisons showing a strong resemblance between his look and the character’s original design.
Zoeepoppyy’s claim was straightforward — he suggested Rockstar copied his image without permission and even asked the company to give the NPC his name. He humorously demanded compensation by saying, “GTA. I need my money, man.”
This public statement got many fans talking and might have pushed Rockstar to change the character to avoid any legal issues.
While Rockstar has not officially responded to these claims, many believe that the changes to the NPC in the new trailer are a direct result of this situation. By adjusting the character’s look, Rockstar might be trying to prevent any further claims related to likeness rights.
Rockstar’s History with Similar Claims
This is not the first time Rockstar Games has faced accusations about using real people’s likenesses in their games.
Rockstar is known for creating characters that feel very realistic and often bases them on real-life inspirations. But sometimes, these resemblances lead to controversy.
For example, in the past, a person called the “Florida Joker” claimed that a character from the first GTA 6 trailer was based on him.
Similarly, famous actress Lindsay Lohan filed a lawsuit against Rockstar because she said a character from GTA 5 looked like her without her permission. However, that lawsuit was eventually dismissed.
Rockstar’s approach seems to mix parody with inspiration, which legally allows some creative freedom. But when people publicly point out the similarities, the company sometimes reacts by changing designs or defending itself in court.
What Does This Mean for GTA 6 Fans?
For fans, these changes might seem minor, but they show how Rockstar is careful about the details in their game. It also highlights the complex relationship between creativity, inspiration, and real-life likeness rights in the gaming world.
The delay to 2026 means fans still have to wait, but it also suggests Rockstar wants to polish the game carefully. Changing characters like this NPC could be part of that polishing process, whether for legal reasons or just improving the story and look.
Fans will be watching closely for more trailers and updates, hoping to learn more about the characters and the story. Rockstar has always been great at creating immersive worlds, and GTA 6 is expected to be their biggest and most detailed game yet.
Summary
Grand Theft Auto 6 fans noticed a change in one of the NPC characters between the original and new trailers. The character’s hair, facial hair, sunglasses, and accessories were updated.
This change may be linked to a TikTok user’s claim that the NPC resembled him and that Rockstar copied his likeness without permission.
Rockstar has a history of facing similar accusations and sometimes changes character designs in response.
The delay of GTA 6’s release to 2026 shows Rockstar is taking time to improve the game and handle any such issues carefully. Fans remain excited and hopeful for more news about this highly anticipated title.