Every generation has that one game that changes everything—a game that redefines expectations for every title that comes after. Super Mario 64 defined 3D gaming. Halo redefined first-person shooters. Minecraft redefined creativity. And in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V redefined gaming itself.

Upon release, Grand Theft Auto V pulled in $1 billion in sales within just three days—a level of success no movie or music release had ever reached.

Ten years later, Rockstar faces its greatest challenge yet. After a seven-year silence, the studio is returning with the most expensive project in entertainment history. Over a billion dollars have been invested, thousands of developers are involved, and a decade of pressure culminates in a single opportunity to make history.

Each Rockstar release has been both a technical leap and a cultural phenomenon. When Grand Theft Auto III launched in 2001, it was more than just another game—it became a defining experience for millions. Players explored open worlds for the first time, experimenting, causing chaos, and discovering freedom. The impact was profound, inspiring careers, shaping childhoods, and even teaching players English.

However, this influence also drew controversy. When Grand Theft Auto: Vice City released in 2002, critics and media outlets portrayed it as a societal threat, linking it to real-world violence. Despite the backlash, Rockstar pressed on, releasing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in 2004. With over 200 missions, numerous mini-games, and three fully realized cities—Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas—San Andreas set the standard for open-world games, offering unprecedented scale, detail, and player freedom.

In 2008, Grand Theft Auto IV advanced realism with the Euphoria physics engine, making every interaction, stumble, and car crash appear unscripted. Liberty City felt alive, with NPCs reacting dynamically and environmental details enhancing immersion.

Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, reached new heights, becoming the most profitable entertainment product in history, surpassing movies, music, and books combined. Its success, however, also created immense expectations for Rockstar’s future projects. The next game would need to surpass the impossible benchmark set by GTA V. Whether you want to buy rare items or just enjoy some luxury in GTA 5, buying GTA 5 money can speed up your progress.

Rockstar further pushed boundaries in 2018 with Red Dead Redemption 2, a $600 million project meticulously crafted for realism. NPCs reacted to weather, mud stuck to clothing, wildlife behaved dynamically, and every interaction was painstakingly detailed. RDR2 became the gold standard for open-world games, reshaping expectations across the entire industry.

Now, all eyes are on Grand Theft Auto VI. Analysts predict it could generate nearly $8 billion in its first two months, a figure only approached by GTA V. The release is expected to dominate media coverage, not just as entertainment news, but as a cultural event. For Rockstar, GTA 6 represents more than just another release—it is a test of whether they can surpass their own legacy. For players, it is the culmination of years of anticipation, shaping expectations formed since GTA V’s release.

Grand Theft Auto VI is not just the next big game—it is one of the most significant games ever made. Its impact will determine Rockstar’s future and may shape the future of gaming itself.