GTA 6 isn’t just returning to Vice City – it’s celebrating the legendary 2002 game that made Miami’s neon-soaked streets iconic in gaming culture. Rockstar packed both trailers with references, Easter eggs, and nostalgic callbacks that longtime fans immediately recognized while newcomers might have missed entirely. From recreated landmarks to returning characters, here’s every Vice City reference Rockstar gave us in the GTA 6 trailers.
These aren’t accidental similarities. Rockstar deliberately chose to honor Vice City’s legacy while building a modernized HD universe version of the city Tommy Vercetti once ruled. Each reference serves as both fan service and proof that Rockstar remembers what made the original special, even as they push the franchise forward with cutting-edge technology and contemporary storytelling.
- The Ocean View Hotel Returns
- Phil Cassidy Makes His Return
- Tommy Vercetti’s Mansion Easter Egg
- Vice Beach and the Boardwalk
- Port Vice City and Miami Vice Homage
- The Atlantis Condominium Hole
- Vice City International Airport
- Love is a Long Road – Musical Callback
- The Malibu Club Vibes
- References to 1980s Pop Culture
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why These References Matter
The Ocean View Hotel Returns
The most obvious and emotionally resonant callback is the Ocean View Hotel, Tommy Vercetti’s first safehouse in the original Vice City. That iconic art deco building with its distinctive yellow and white color scheme appears prominently in Trailer 1, instantly triggering nostalgia for anyone who spent 2002-2003 running missions from that location.
In the trailer, you can spot the Ocean View Hotel along what’s clearly the GTA 6 version of Ocean Drive, complete with the boardwalk, neon signs, and that unmistakable Miami Beach aesthetic. The hotel sits among other art deco buildings that define South Beach’s architectural character, but the Ocean View stands out as the centerpiece – just like it did in 2002.
Even better? There’s a yellow and white Oceanic car parked outside, exactly like the one that always sat in front of Tommy’s safehouse. That’s the kind of attention to detail that makes Rockstar special. They didn’t just recreate the building – they recreated the entire vibe, down to the specific car that old-school fans would immediately recognize.
The real-world inspiration for the Ocean View Hotel is The Clevelander in South Miami Beach, a historic art deco hotel that’s been a landmark since 1938. Rockstar clearly studied both their original 2002 version and the real Miami location to create something that honors both while looking spectacular with modern graphics technology.
Phil Cassidy Makes His Return
One of the most talked-about references comes at the 2:10 mark in Trailer 2, where a heavy-set man appears in an advertisement for an ammo shop. Fans immediately identified him as Phil Cassidy, the trigger-happy, one-armed (well, in the 3D universe) arms dealer who appeared in Vice City, Vice City Stories, and several other GTA games.
The shop is called “Phil’s Ammu-Nation” – a mashup of Phil’s name and the franchise’s long-running gun store chain. The man in the commercial looks remarkably similar to Phil Cassidy, complete with the Southern good ol’ boy aesthetic, though notably he has both arms. That makes sense since GTA 6 exists in the HD universe (which includes GTA 4 and 5), while the original Phil Cassidy appeared in the 3D universe (GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas).
This isn’t technically the same Phil Cassidy returning – it’s the HD universe version of the character. Think of it like how Michael Keaton and Christian Bale both played Batman but in different continuities. The HD universe Phil presumably has a similar personality and profession but his specific history differs from the 3D version who lost his arm in an explosion.
The commercial itself is peak Phil Cassidy – aggressive, over-the-top American gun culture parody with zero subtlety. One fan described the new version as “even more unabashedly, stupidly American” than the original, which perfectly captures Rockstar’s satirical approach to American gun obsession.
The Universe Problem
Some fans initially questioned how Phil could return given that Vice City exists in the 3D universe while GTA 6 is firmly in the HD universe. The answer is simple – Rockstar reimagines characters across universes when it serves the story. Just like Lazlow Jones appeared in both universes, Phil Cassidy can exist in both as different versions of essentially the same archetype.
This also explains why Phil has both arms, different hair color, and slightly different appearance. He’s not literally the same character from Vice City – he’s the HD universe equivalent who fills the same narrative role. Longtime fans get the nostalgic callback while new players meet an original character from their perspective.
Tommy Vercetti’s Mansion Easter Egg
During a fleeting flyover shot showcasing Vice City’s skyline, eagle-eyed fans spotted a waterfront mansion that looks strikingly similar to Tommy Vercetti’s iconic Vercetti Estate from the original game. The mansion features a private dock, tiled roof, and Mediterranean-style architecture – all signature elements of Tommy’s safehouse on Starfish Island.
The estate’s placement seems to mirror Starfish Island’s location in the original Vice City, strengthening the connection. While the proportions and some design details differ slightly (expected given the graphics upgrade and 24 years between games), the overall resemblance is too close to be coincidental.
Rockstar hasn’t confirmed whether this is literally the Vercetti Estate or just a visual homage. Some theories suggest it could be a direct recreation serving as an Easter egg. Others think it might be owned by a new character as a nod to Tommy without him actually appearing. A few cynics argue it’s just a coincidental mansion design.
But given how deliberately Rockstar crafted every frame of these trailers, the resemblance almost certainly is intentional. Whether Tommy Vercetti himself appears in GTA 6 remains unknown (and complicated by voice actor Ray Liotta’s death in 2022), but his legacy clearly influences the world Rockstar is building.
Vice Beach and the Boardwalk
Multiple shots recreate Vice City’s iconic boardwalk area, complete with blue and white parasols reading “Vice Beach.” This confirms that Vice Beach – the game’s equivalent of Miami’s South Beach – returns as a major location. The boardwalk itself looks spectacular with modern graphics, maintaining that distinctive tropical resort vibe while adding contemporary details.
The beach scenes capture everything that made Vice City memorable – the mixture of glamorous tourists, street performers, local characters, and underlying seediness that defines Miami’s complicated relationship between image and reality. Rockstar clearly studied both their 2002 game and modern Miami to create something that honors the original while reflecting how South Beach has evolved.
The art deco buildings lining the beach showcase Rockstar’s architectural attention to detail. Each structure features the pastel colors, geometric shapes, and neon signs that define South Beach’s 1930s-era architecture. These buildings aren’t just pretty backgrounds – they’re accurate recreations of a specific architectural style that makes Miami instantly recognizable.
Port Vice City and Miami Vice Homage
One waterfront scene shows boats speeding past Port Vice City, identifiable by the PVC logo on blue shipping cranes. This shot directly homages the opening of Michael Mann’s Miami Vice movie, which itself was based on the 1980s TV show that heavily inspired the original Vice City.
The connection runs deep – Miami Vice (the show) pioneered the neon-soaked, synth-wave aesthetic that defined 1980s Miami in popular culture. GTA Vice City borrowed that aesthetic wholesale, creating a game that felt like playing through Miami Vice episodes. Now GTA 6 references both the original show and the 2006 movie adaptation, completing a circle of cultural influence.
That particular shot also suggests Vice City’s port will be a major location, possibly for smuggling missions, boat chases, or heists involving shipping containers. The original Vice City had limited water-based gameplay, so expanding port activities makes sense for a modern open-world game.
The Atlantis Condominium Hole
Far in the background of one shot, you can spot a glittering skyscraper with a distinctive hole through its center. This references Miami’s famous Atlantis Condominium, a brutalist building known for its unique architectural feature – a large square hole near the top that creates a striking silhouette.
The Atlantis Condominium also appeared in the original Vice City, making this both a real-world reference and a callback to the 2002 game. Rockstar recreated the building with modern graphics while maintaining its distinctive shape, ensuring longtime fans would recognize it immediately.
Architecture serves as connective tissue between Vice City games. By recreating iconic Miami buildings that appeared in the original, Rockstar establishes continuity while showing how much their visual capabilities have improved. The Atlantis Condominium in 2002 was a few dozen polygons with basic textures. The GTA 6 version looks photorealistic.
Vice City International Airport
The VCI Airport sign appears in Trailer 2 screenshots, confirming that Vice City International Airport returns as the city’s main aviation hub. In the original game, Escobar International Airport (as it was then called) served as a major landmark and the starting point for several missions.
The airport’s return suggests aerial gameplay will factor into GTA 6, whether through missions, exploration, or just the ability to fly anywhere you want. GTA 5 fully embraced aviation with flyable planes, helicopters, and jets – GTA 6 will presumably expand on that foundation.
The name change from “Escobar International” to “Vice City International” might reflect story differences between universes or simply Rockstar choosing a more generic name for the HD version. Either way, having a functional airport grounds Vice City as a major metropolitan area rather than just a tourist destination.
Love is a Long Road – Musical Callback
Trailer 1 features Tom Petty’s “Love is a Long Road” as its soundtrack. The song hit in 1989, fitting perfectly with the original Vice City’s 1980s setting. But there’s a deeper connection – Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down A Dream” appeared on the original Vice City’s soundtrack, making this choice a musical callback to the 2002 game.
Rockstar’s music selection is never accidental. Using another Tom Petty song signals to longtime fans that they’re paying attention to Vice City’s legacy while creating something new. The lyrics also thematically fit GTA 6’s story about Lucia and Jason’s criminal partnership – love is indeed a long road when you’re robbing banks and fleeing police.
Music defined Vice City’s identity as much as its visuals. The radio stations featured 1980s hits that transported players to that era even when driving generic cars through simplified environments. GTA 6’s soundtrack will presumably blend nostalgic callbacks with contemporary music, reflecting Vice City’s evolution from 1986 to 2025.
The Malibu Club Vibes
One nightclub scene in Trailer 1 strongly resembles the Malibu Club, one of Vice City’s most iconic locations. The original Malibu was a disco/nightclub featuring that distinctly 1980s aesthetic with dance floors, neon lights, and a stage. The trailer scene captures similar energy with modern graphics showcasing a packed club, dramatic lighting, and that sense of barely controlled chaos nightlife creates.
Whether this is literally the Malibu Club reimagined or just a similar venue remains unclear. But the visual callback is obvious enough that longtime fans immediately thought of Tommy Vercetti’s missions involving the Malibu – missions that included everything from managing the club to staging a robbery during a crowded night.
Nightclubs served important functions in Vice City beyond just being mission locations. They represented Vice City’s party culture, provided social hubs where different character types intersected, and offered opportunities for activities like dancing or watching stage shows. Expect similar functionality in GTA 6’s club scene.
References to 1980s Pop Culture
While not direct Vice City callbacks, multiple trailer shots reference 1980s pop culture that defined the original game’s aesthetic. Miami Vice, Scarface, and the broader Miami drug war era influenced every aspect of Vice City’s design, story, and tone.
GTA 6 appears to balance those 1980s influences with contemporary settings. Vice City in 2025 would naturally retain architectural and cultural elements from its past while evolving with modern influences. That tension between Vice City’s nostalgic identity and current reality will presumably factor into the story and world design.
Some fans worry GTA 6 loses Vice City’s 1980s magic by setting the game in the present day. But the references scattered throughout trailers suggest Rockstar understands what made the original special. They’re not abandoning that aesthetic – they’re showing how it persists and evolves in a city defined by its past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Tommy Vercetti appear in GTA 6?
Tommy Vercetti’s appearance remains unconfirmed. While a mansion resembling his estate appears in trailers, GTA 6 exists in the HD universe while Tommy’s story happened in the 3D universe. Additionally, voice actor Ray Liotta passed away in 2022, complicating any potential return.
Is Phil Cassidy the same character from Vice City?
No, this is the HD universe version of Phil Cassidy. Like how Batman has different versions across movies, Phil exists in multiple GTA universes. The HD version fills a similar role as an arms dealer but has different history, including still having both arms.
Why does GTA 6 reference a game from the 3D universe?
Rockstar frequently reimagines characters, locations, and concepts across the 3D and HD universes. While the specific events of Vice City (2002) didn’t happen in GTA 6’s timeline, similar locations and archetypes exist in both versions of Vice City.
Is the Ocean View Hotel the same building from the original Vice City?
It’s the HD universe recreation of the Ocean View Hotel. Same concept and visual design but reimagined with modern graphics and fitting into GTA 6’s continuity rather than the 2002 game’s story.
Does GTA 6 take place in the 1980s like the original Vice City?
No, GTA 6 is set in the present day (2025). However, Rockstar included numerous references to the 1980s aesthetic and the original Vice City game, showing how that era’s influence persists in modern Vice City.
What other Vice City locations return in GTA 6?
Confirmed locations include Ocean View Hotel, Vice Beach boardwalk, Vice City International Airport, Port Vice City, and possibly the Vercetti Estate. The full map likely contains many more references fans will discover after launch.
Are there Easter eggs from other GTA games in the trailers?
Yes, the trailers contain references to multiple GTA games and general Rockstar franchises. However, Vice City references dominate since that’s the city GTA 6 returns to after 24 years.
Will GTA 6 have the same radio stations as the original Vice City?
The radio stations will likely be entirely new since GTA 6 is set in 2025 rather than 1986. However, Rockstar might include nostalgic callbacks or throwback stations featuring 1980s music as homage to the original.
Why These References Matter
Rockstar could have created a generic Miami-inspired city without specifically calling back to Vice City. They chose not to. Every Ocean View Hotel shot, every Phil Cassidy appearance, every architectural recreation signals that GTA 6 honors its predecessor rather than replacing it.
For longtime fans who played Vice City in 2002, these references provide emotional connections to experiences from over two decades ago. Seeing the Ocean View Hotel in modern graphics triggers memories of playing that game, the music, the era, maybe even who you were back then. Rockstar understands that nostalgia has value beyond just sales – it creates deeper engagement with worlds players already love.
For new players who never experienced the original Vice City, these references establish that GTA 6 exists within a larger franchise history. The Ocean View Hotel might just look like a cool building to them, but it carries weight and significance that enriches the world even if they don’t understand every specific callback.
The references also demonstrate Rockstar’s commitment to world-building. They didn’t just drop Lucia and Jason into random Miami-inspired locations. They created a Vice City with history, landmarks, and cultural touchstones that connect it to both real Miami and the fictional Vice City that preceded it. That depth separates great open-world games from forgettable ones.
As November 19, 2026 approaches, expect fans to discover dozens more Vice City references Rockstar hid throughout the game. Every street corner, radio advertisement, and throwaway line of NPC dialogue could contain callbacks. The trailers showed us the obvious ones – the Ocean View Hotel, Phil Cassidy, the boardwalk. The subtle references will reward dedicated players who explore every inch of Leonida.
Twenty-four years after Tommy Vercetti took over Vice City, we’re finally going back. The city has changed. The graphics are unrecognizable. The story is completely different. But Rockstar made sure longtime fans know this is still Vice City – the city that launched a thousand memories and proved video games could capture a specific time, place, and feeling as effectively as any movie or TV show. Welcome back to Vice City. The Ocean View Hotel is waiting.