Plans for a massive city-wide promotional campaign for GTA VI in Miami have faced opposition from local officials. Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stuts believes that such activities could glamorize crime and undermine the significance of the daily work performed by law enforcement officers.
The story of GTA VI takes place in the fictional city of Vice City, which is based on Miami, Florida, USA. Developer Rockstar Games has recreated many of the area's iconic landmarks and buildings in the game, and players have identified several real-life locations from the officially released trailers.
In late August this year, Miami-Dade County officials began discussions with Rockstar Games regarding a city-wide promotional campaign. Proposals under consideration included wrapping subway trains with Vice City branding, installing manhole covers featuring game elements, and setting up "Welcome to Vice City" signs at Miami International Airport.
None of the aforementioned proposals have received formal approval. Cordero-Stuts stated that the GTA series revolves around murder, robbery, drug trafficking, car theft, and violence against law enforcement officers, crimes that local law enforcement works daily to prevent. He believes the government should carefully consider the message it sends before promoting a fictional city image centered on such criminal activities.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez also opposed the plan. He specifically stated that temporary renaming or rebranding of key public facilities, including Miami International Airport, should not be considered. The region has spent years cultivating its image as a destination for tourism, business, and investment, and should not pivot to promoting a fictional version defined by crime and violence.
With the Sheriff and County Commissioners publicly stating their positions, it remains unclear whether the city-wide promotional campaign will move forward. Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, 2026; as the series is targeted at adult players, parental supervision is recommended when minors are exposed to related content.