Grand Theft Auto 5is undoubtedly one of the most controversial, if not the most controversial video game of all time. It has been criticized for its depiction of torture, misogynistic views of women, gang violence, and much more. However, some may argue that the game’s controversies have helped fuel its record-breaking sales.
Since its release in September 2013,Grand Theft Auto 5has sold 90 million units, amassing to $6 billion, making it the highest grossing media title to date. It’s safe to say that it is a monster of a game, especially since it has recently become the single most profitable commercial entertainment product of all time. To put that into perspective, it has beaten every film ever made. Movies such asStar WarsandGone With the Windhave not come close toGrand Theft Auto 5’ssales, even when adjusted to inflation, and taking into account DVD and streaming sales.
GrandTheft Auto 5has since beenbreaking sales records every single year,including becoming one of the most expensive video games ever developed, with a budget of around $265 million, and the fastest selling entertainment property of all time, grossing over $800 million in 24 hours and $1 billion in just 3 days. Analysts worldwide have been shocked at the massive success of the title, which after five years is still dominating the video game sales market.
Grand Theft Auto 5is so successful thatTake-Two Interactive isn’t planning on releasingGrand Theft Auto 6anytime soon,asGTA 5is outselling most games every year (and that doesn’t even include microtransaction sales). Rockstar Games' latest title,Red Dead Redemption 2, is even making other publishers move away from a November release window, like Activision’sCall of Duty: Black Ops 4, which, for the first time, is releasing in October.
WhetherGTA 5will continue to update with post-launch content afterRed Dead Redemption 2as often as it is now, we have yet to see. However, Rockstar Games has stated it won’t affect its"ability to supportGTA Online."
Grand Theft Auto 5is available now for PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
