GTA VI and Miami-Dade Promotion Proposal Spark Debate

With Grand Theft Auto VI scheduled for release in November, Rockstar Games contacted Miami-Dade County to discuss a potential promotional partnership. The idea includes involving public landmarks such as the Metromover and Miami International Airport in a campaign that evokes the fictional Vice City.

GTA VI Promotion Proposal in Miami-Dade

County officials view the partnership as a gaming tourism opportunity, noting that fans of the title could visit the locations that inspired the setting, such as Ocean Drive, the airport, and the Everglades. Suggestions include branding the Metromover with the Vice City logo, applying themed murals to public buildings, and even customizing manhole covers with the same brand.

Sheriff and Commissioner React

Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Miami-Dade Sheriff, and Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez issued a joint statement questioning whether the county should “promote a fictional representation of Miami centered on crime, violence, and anarchy.” Cordero-Stutz emphasized that the franchise “is built around criminal activity” and that law enforcement works daily to prevent these very crimes.

County Administration's Arguments in Favor

A county representative stated that, given Miami-Dade's clear impact on the game, there could be “a unique opportunity to generate revenue for the county while showcasing Miami-Dade to a massive audience.” The official discourse highlights the potential for revenue generation and international visibility.

Judicial Concerns and Exclusion Requests

Judge Ariana Fajardo of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit sent a letter to Mayor Daniella Levine Cava requesting that all courts and related facilities be excluded from any promotional activities linked to GTA VI or the Vice City brand. The letter states that the game addresses “violent themes” that should not be associated with locations where people face real-world consequences.

Next Steps and Possibilities

To date, discussions between the county and Rockstar Games have not resulted in a formal agreement. Bermudez requested transparency in the conversations and evaluated the public costs and benefits before any decision. The proposal to temporarily rename the airport as “Vice City Airport” was also mentioned as something that still generates surprise among those responsible.

With information from NBC 6 South Florida.