With the highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI scheduled for November 19, 2026, Chess.com has capitalized on the game's massive popularity by introducing a special, unofficial chess mode. This initiative serves as a nod to the Rockstar Games franchise, aiming to attract fans of both the open-world action series and the classic board game to its online platform.
It is important to clarify that this update does not represent an official collaboration between Chess.com and Rockstar Games. Consequently, it is not part of the extensive marketing campaign currently visible in cities like Miami. As a result, the chess platform avoids using official GTA 6 characters or logos, instead opting to "inspire" its design changes based on the saga's aesthetic.
The visual modifications to the game pieces are distinct and thematic. In this mode, knights have been replaced by dolphins, while bishops display images of banknotes. The pawns also vary depending on the side: black pieces feature police officers, whereas white pieces include flamingos, vehicles, or criminals wearing bandanas.
Beyond the board graphics, the AI opponents available for players to face bear a suspicious resemblance to characters from the GTA universe. These bots are named Jamie and Luna, names that inevitably evoke the game's protagonists, Jason and Lucia. This creative initiative is designed specifically for chess enthusiasts who are also fans of Rockstar Games.
Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, marking more than thirteen years since the launch of Grand Theft Auto V. While Rockstar has not yet officially announced a PC version, the title is being positioned by its creators as the most significant and immersive evolution in the series to date.
Sources: Vandal.