Rockstar Games recently unveiled Grand Theft Auto VI, the sixth installment in the iconic series, slated for release in 2025, marking its return after a 12-year hiatus. Anticipation is high, with experts projecting a staggering $1.5 billion in first-day sales. The trailer, released on December 4, swiftly claimed the title of YouTube’s most-viewed debut, amassing over 93 million views in just 24 hours and setting a non-music video record.
Leo Olebe, YouTube’s global head of gaming, emphasized the series’ cultural impact, foreseeing elevated engagement within the YouTube community. The Grand Theft Auto franchise uniquely captivates both occasional gamers and dedicated enthusiasts, fostering immense anticipation for the upcoming sequel.
Matthew Thomas Payne, associate professor at the University of Notre Dame, attributes GTA’s popularity to its role as the “Great American Sandbox Game,” critiquing consumer excesses while updating cultural narratives. The forthcoming GTA VI introduces Lucia, the franchise’s first female protagonist, embarking on a crime-filled journey in the fictional Miami-inspired setting of Vice City within the state of Leonida.
With the game set to launch in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and other platforms, industry experts, including Bryant Francis, anticipate GTA VI surpassing the $1.5 billion sales milestone on its debut day, further solidifying the series’ enduring impact on gaming culture.
[…] Elon Musk, the CEO of X, explained why he doesn’t play or enjoy the Grand Theft Auto franchise shortly after the much awaited official release of the game’s first teaser. […]