How Many Years is Grand Theft Auto?
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series has been a staple of the gaming industry for over two decades, with the first game released in 1997. Since then, the series has grown to become one of the most successful and popular franchises in the world. But how many years is Grand Theft Auto?
The Early Years (1997-2002)
The first Grand Theft Auto game was released in 1997 for the PlayStation. Developed by Rockstar North (formerly DMA Design), the game was a 2D top-down open-world game that allowed players to explore the city of Liberty City and complete missions. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 5 million copies worldwide.
The 3D Era (2001-2004)
The second game in the series, Grand Theft Auto III, was released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. This game marked a significant shift in the series, as it introduced 3D graphics and a new gameplay mechanic. The game was a massive success, selling over 14 million copies worldwide.
The Mainstream Success (2004-2008)
The next three games in the series, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, were released between 2002 and 2005. These games solidified the series’ position as one of the most popular and successful in the world.
The Modern Era (2008-Present)
The series took a brief hiatus before returning with Grand Theft Auto IV in 2008. This game introduced a new game engine and a more realistic gameplay mechanic. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
The Online Era (2013-Present)
The series has continued to evolve with the release of Grand Theft Auto V in 2013. This game introduced a new multiplayer mode, Grand Theft Auto Online, which has become a huge success. The game has sold over 140 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.
The Legacy of Grand Theft Auto
The Grand Theft Auto series has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It has influenced countless other games and has helped to shape the open-world genre. The series has also been the subject of controversy, with some critics accusing the games of promoting violence and crime.
The Future of Grand Theft Auto
The future of the Grand Theft Auto series is uncertain, but it is likely that the series will continue to evolve and innovate. Rockstar Games has already announced plans to release a new Grand Theft Auto game, although details are scarce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Grand Theft Auto series has been around for over 24 years, with the first game released in 1997. The series has come a long way since then, with the latest game, Grand Theft Auto V, being one of the best-selling video games of all time. The series has had a significant impact on the gaming industry and will likely continue to shape the open-world genre for years to come.
Timeline of Grand Theft Auto Games
Game | Release Year | Platform(s) |
---|---|---|
Grand Theft Auto | 1997 | PlayStation |
Grand Theft Auto 2 | 1999 | PlayStation, PC |
Grand Theft Auto III | 2001 | PlayStation 2, PC |
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | 2002 | PlayStation 2, PC |
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | 2004 | PlayStation 2, PC |
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories | 2005 | PlayStation Portable, PC |
Grand Theft Auto IV | 2008 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC |
Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned | 2009 | Xbox 360, PC |
Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony | 2009 | Xbox 360, PC |
Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC |
Grand Theft Auto Online | 2013 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC |
Grand Theft Auto V: Enhanced Edition | 2014 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC |
Sales Figures
Game | Sales Figures |
---|---|
Grand Theft Auto | 5 million+ |
Grand Theft Auto III | 14 million+ |
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | 17 million+ |
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | 27 million+ |
Grand Theft Auto IV | 25 million+ |
Grand Theft Auto V | 140 million+ |
Note: The sales figures are approximate and sourced from various online sources, including Wikipedia and Rockstar Games’ official website.