|
IN BRIEF
|
Since its appearance in 1997, the franchise Grand Theft Auto has captivated millions of players around the world, offering vast universes and thrilling scenarios. With a series of memorable titles, the question on the lips of fans and newbies is often the same: when can we expect the next games to be released? As excitement grows around GTA 6, planned for fall 2025, let’s dive into the history of release dates of this cult saga, while taking a look at what awaits us in the future.
The famous video game series Grand Theft Auto (GTA) debuted in 1997 and has continued to evolve over the years, captivating millions of players around the world. With thrilling stories, open worlds to explore and innovative gameplay, each new opus sparks feverish anticipation. This article looks at the chronology of the release dates of the different titles in the series, as well as the expectations surrounding the highly anticipated GTA 6.
The beginnings of the franchise
The first game in the series, Grand Theft Auto, was born on September 30, 1997 in France, developed by the Scottish studio Rockstar North, then known as DMA Design. This game laid the foundation for a legendary franchise, allowing players to explore fictional cities while taking control of various vehicles, a feature that would become iconic.
The first sequels
The sequel, GTA: London 1969, was launched on March 30, 1999, offering a unique experience while taking place in London. This title expanded the horizons of the franchise, adding new historical settings and captivating missions. Other titles followed, including GTA 2 in 1999 And GTA III in 2001, each marking a revolutionary turning point in the open-world gaming genre.
The big turning point with GTA 3
The release of GTA III, THE October 22, 2001, represented a true revolution for the franchise. This game introduced a third-person perspective and a fully 3D world, which changed the way players interacted with the environment. The following games, in particular GTA: Vice City And GTA: San Andreas, continued to build on this success with even richer stories and larger worlds.
The 2010s: the heyday of the series
From 2013, with the release of GTA V, initially planned for the September 17 but again shifted to September 29 (in France), the franchise reached its peak. The critically acclaimed game offered an open world of unprecedented size and a multi-character narrative. GTA Online, the game’s online mode, also allowed the community to continue enjoying the GTA universe well after the initial release.
On the horizon: GTA 6
The rumors around GTA 6 are more and more numerous, and the release date finally seems to be clearer. Indeed, Take-Two Interactive announced that the sixth episode of the franchise would be released in the fall 2025. The information points to an even more immersive experience, building on the hardware improvements of modern consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. More details here.
All-consuming anticipation
Fans of the franchise are impatiently awaiting this new opus, sniffing out major innovations and an unprecedented dive into an often unpredictable world. However, the wait may be long; players must prepare to wait until 2025 before being able to get their hands on the latest addition to the universe of GTA. Discover the expectations here.
Release date timeline
It is interesting to note the rapid evolution of this iconic franchise and its ability to renew itself. Of GTA in 1997 to GTA 6 in 2025, each title brings its own touch while remaining faithful to the essence of the series. For a full list of release dates, check out this precious resource.
Grand Theft Auto game release timeline
| Game | Release date | Main platforms |
| Grand Theft Auto | September 30, 1997 | PC, PlayStation |
| Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 | March 30, 1999 | PC, PlayStation |
| GTA III | October 22, 2001 | PC, PlayStation 2 |
| GTA: Vice City | October 29, 2002 | PC, PlayStation 2 |
| GTA: San Andreas | October 26, 2004 | PC, PlayStation 2 |
| GTA IV | April 29, 2008 | PC, PlayStation 3 |
| GTA V | September 17, 2013 | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| GTA Online | October 1, 2013 | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| GTA VI | Fall 2025 (planned) | PS5, Xbox Series |
- Grand Theft Auto – September 30, 1997
- Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 – March 30, 1999
- Grand Theft Auto II – September 22, 1999
- Grand Theft Auto III – October 22, 2001
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – October 29, 2002
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – October 26, 2004
- Grand Theft Auto IV – April 29, 2008
- Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony – October 29, 2009
- Grand Theft Auto V – September 17, 2013
- Grand Theft Auto Online – October 1, 2013
- Grand Theft Auto VI – Fall 2025 (planned)