A new chapter every week: this is our series covering the full evolution of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, game by game, from the original 1997 title all the way to the anticipation around GTA 6. Every piece is researched with primary sources — original interviews, official records, verified sales data — not a summary of a summary.
Publishing in chronological order, one chapter at a time, this week. Check back here to see what’s out.
1997
Grand Theft Auto
The nearly cancelled game that became a billion-dollar franchise — and the bug that helped save it.
1999
Grand Theft Auto II
The franchise’s “lab,” where the gang reputation system was tested for the first time.
2001
Grand Theft Auto III
The leap to 3D that reinvented open-world games and changed the industry for good.
Coming soon
2002
GTA: Vice City
1980s Miami, Scarface, and a controversy of its own tied to one specific mission.
Coming soon
2004
GTA: San Andreas
The game, “Hot Coffee,” and the scandal that nearly pulled it off shelves.
Coming soon
2008
Grand Theft Auto IV
Niko Bellic, the RAGE engine, and a deliberate response to Vice City/San Andreas excess.
Coming soon
2013
GTA V / GTA Online
The game that never really ended — still sustained by its online mode today.
Coming soon
Upcoming
Grand Theft Auto VI
Jason, Lucia, and Rockstar’s history of delays repeating itself once again.
Coming soon