12 Years of GTA V — How Rockstar’s $2 Billion Sequel GTA VI Builds on the Legacy of the 2nd Best-Selling Game of All Time
The game has sold over 215 million copies, making it the 2nd best-selling game of all time
Back in 2013, when Rockstar released Grand Theft Auto V, no one could have imagined the scale of success it would achieve. Launching first on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the game immediately became a sensation, drawing players into its sprawling open world of Los Santos. The combination of three distinct protagonists, cinematic storytelling, and freedom of choice made it feel more like an interactive film than just another video game. Within just three days of release, it earned over $1 billion, breaking records across the entertainment industry.
But what makes the achievement even more stunning is how the game has continued to thrive over the next 12 years. Today, GTA V has sold over 215 million copies worldwide, making it the second best-selling video game of all time, only behind Minecraft. That number doesn’t just represent sales — it represents generations of gamers who have kept the story alive across consoles, updates, and endless replayability.
It will be the most expensive game ever made, costing over $2 billion
Of course, the legacy of GTA V has put enormous pressure on its successor, Grand Theft Auto VI. Reports have already confirmed that GTA VI is set to become the most expensive video game ever made, with development and marketing costs surpassing $2 billion. That number is unheard of in gaming, rivaling even Hollywood blockbusters in scope and ambition.
This massive budget reflects Rockstar’s determination to create a game that doesn’t just live up to GTA V, but surpasses it. Expectations are sky-high, with promises of a reimagined Vice City, cutting-edge graphics, and a scale of detail never before seen in open-world gaming. For Rockstar, this isn’t just another release — it’s an attempt to redefine what gaming can be for the next decade.
GTA 6 will release on May 26, 2026
After years of rumors, leaks, and speculation, Rockstar finally gave fans the announcement they’ve been waiting for: GTA VI will officially release on May 26, 2026. The reveal sent shockwaves through the gaming community, immediately becoming one of the most anticipated launch dates in history.
For many players, this announcement is more than just about a new game — it’s a moment of nostalgia. Fans who picked up GTA V as teenagers are now adults, eagerly waiting to step into a new world built with all the lessons Rockstar has learned over the last 12 years. The wait may feel long, but given Rockstar’s history of delivering polished, groundbreaking experiences, most fans are ready to be patient.
Grand Theft Auto V was released 12 years ago today
Looking back, it’s remarkable to realize that GTA V has now been with us for 12 years. Released on September 17, 2013, it has not only survived but thrived across three console generations. From its origins on the PS3 and Xbox 360, it later launched on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and eventually PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Each version brought new updates, better graphics, and reasons for players to return.
The fact that the same game has managed to remain relevant for more than a decade is almost unheard of in gaming. GTA Online, the multiplayer component, played a huge role in this, becoming one of the most profitable live-service games ever created. With regular updates like new heists, businesses, and events, Rockstar gave players reasons to keep exploring Los Santos long after they finished the main story.
Beyond the numbers and headlines, GTA V’s real legacy lies in its cultural impact. Its characters — Michael, Franklin, and Trevor — became iconic, its soundtrack became instantly recognizable, and its online world gave rise to entire communities of roleplayers, streamers, and creators. It wasn’t just a video game; it was a cultural event that influenced music, movies, and internet culture for years.
Now, as GTA V enters its 12th year and GTA VI looms on the horizon, the story comes full circle. Rockstar’s ability to create a game that still feels alive more than a decade later is proof of just how much impact one title can have. Whether you bought it on launch day in 2013 or just picked it up recently, GTA V has become a part of gaming history — and its successor promises to take that legacy to a whole new level.