Miami Filming Spree Isn’t a GTA 6 Live-Action Trailer, and Permits Point to the Heat

Miami's transformation into Vice City has fans hunting for clues about what Rockstar Games might unveil next, and a wave of speculation about a live-action GTA 6 trailer has taken over social media. The paperwork suggests that isn't what's happening.

Crews spotted across downtown Miami

The rumors follow a run of Vice City promotion across the city, including the GTA 6 blimp, ads and building signage. Over the past few days, filming crews were seen in downtown Miami with cameras mounted on vehicles, shooting a fleet of West Coast Customs cars styled after the GTA VI vehicles.

Cameras also rolled on Ocean Drive on Monday night, the real-world inspiration for the game's setting. With the game launching roughly a month away, many fans concluded Rockstar was shooting a live-action trailer.

Aerial footage shared on October 16 shows the custom cars cruising the Venetian Causeway. The lineup included a pink and blue '95 Grotti Cheetah, a papaya orange Progen Emerus, a leopard-print Coquette D10 and a Pegassi VCPD Tempesta Interceptor.

Permits tell a different story

That theory appears to have fallen apart. Fan @smallo92 pointed out that the city's filming permits for the past week don't list Rockstar Games, and this week's permit doesn't either.

One permit does stand out. It was issued to 305 Films and describes the job as "Social media for MH Vice."

The Miami Heat connection

"MH" almost certainly stands for Miami Heat. The team is hosting "A Night in Vice City" on the eve of Grand Theft Auto VI's release, with the Kaseya Center rebranded in Vice City style for the occasion.

The footage is therefore most likely a promo video for that matchday event. It may also be shown inside the arena before tip-off.

What it means for fans

A live-action trailer would have been a big moment, but it isn't Rockstar's usual approach. The studio has historically relied on in-engine trailers rather than live-action spots, unlike many other publishers.

Even without one, the marketing push is hard to ignore. The campaign has gathered serious momentum after a quiet few months, and the Heat collaboration shows how far the Vice City branding now reaches.

Meanwhile, an extended version of the GTA VI launch trailer has started airing on TV.