|
IN BRIEF
|
Who could have imagined that a simple video game, launched in 1997, would shake up the digital entertainment landscape? Grand Theft Auto, or GTA for short, appeared on platforms such as PlayStation and the PC, offering players unprecedented freedom of action. With its daring mix of fast-paced chases and breathtaking combat, GTA 1 quickly won over an audience hungry for thrills. So, let’s remember this dazzling release which marked the beginning of a franchise that has become legendary!
Released to the forefront on November 28, 1997 in Europe, Grand Theft Auto (GTA 1) marked the beginning of a saga that would revolutionize the video game industry. Developed by DMA Design (later became Rockstar North), this first opus laid the foundations of an open universe where freedom of action and driving in an urban environment would become trademarks of the series.
A launch as unexpected as it is innovative
When GTA 1 arrived on the PC and the PlayStation, it surprised with its radical concept: becoming a criminal in an open world full of possibilities. At the time, few games offered such freedom of exploration, let alone being able to break the law at will. This is the moment where players had the opportunity to escape to fictional cities inspired by those in real life.
Release platforms
In addition to its launch on PC on November 28, 1997, GTA 1 also saw the light of day on the PlayStation on December 12 of the same year. This versatility of platforms allowed a wide audience to discover the game. Later, in 1999, it was even adapted for the Game Boy Color, further expanding its accessibility.
A revolutionary gameplay proposition
What really made a splash with GTA was its mix of action and adventure. Players could choose to commit crimes, escape from the police, or simply explore the city at their own pace. This non-linear gameplay has captivated players, sparking debates about the morality of actions taken in the game, a theme that regularly comes up in discussions about the franchise.
A Pioneer’s Legacy
The immediate success of GTA 1 laid the foundation for the rest of the series, which has continued to grow and improve over the years. Indeed, since its first release, more than 400 million copies of the GTA franchise have been sold worldwide. It’s fascinating to note that for many, GTA 1 remains a symbol of an era where video games began to explore darker themes and more complex presentation.
For those who wish to learn more about the history of this famous saga, several resources are available, including on Wikipedia or even in more in-depth analyzes on specialized sites. Fans of the series can also refresh their memory by visiting video game platforms, where the various titles, including the highly anticipated GTA 6 scheduled for 2025, continue to populate gamers’ virtual shelves.
In short, the release of GTA 1 in 1997 not only marked a key date in the history of video games, but also launched a series that has become essential in the gaming world. The adventure has only just begun, and the legacy of this first opus continues to be felt with each new iteration of this famous saga.
GTA 1 release date
| Platform | Release date |
| PC | November 28, 1997 |
| PlayStation | December 12, 1997 |
| Game Boy Color | October 22, 1999 |
| MS-DOS | November 28, 1997 |
| Special Edition (GTA: London) | 1999 |
- Launch date: November 28, 1997 (PC, MS-DOS)
- PlayStation Platform: December 12, 1997
- Release date in France: October 1, 1997
- Game Boy Color adaptation: October 22, 1999