The Day It All Began
It feels almost unreal to say this: Grand Theft Auto V, one of the most iconic video games in history, was released exactly 12 years ago on September 17, 2013. For many of us, that day wasn’t just a launch—it was an event. Long queues of excited gamers wrapped around stores, some staying up all night to grab their copy. The anticipation was electric, the kind you could practically hear in the air, like the rumble before a storm.
When Rockstar Games finally unleashed GTA V, it didn’t just meet expectations—it blew them apart. With stunning visuals, massive open-world freedom, and unforgettable characters like Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, the game felt like entering another universe.
Breaking Records Like Never Before
At launch, GTA V wasn’t just a video game—it was a cultural phenomenon. According to Guinness World Records, the game set seven world records within its first few weeks, including fastest entertainment property to gross $1 billion. It achieved that milestone in just three days, faster than any movie, TV show, or even music release in history.
Fast forward to today, and the numbers are staggering. As of 2025, GTA V has sold over 195 million copies worldwide (Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company). That makes it the second best-selling video game of all time, only behind Minecraft.
The shocking part? Even after 12 years, it still sells millions annually.
The Endless Life of Los Santos
Step into Los Santos in 2025, and the city doesn’t feel 12 years old at all. Thanks to Rockstar’s constant updates to GTA Online, the game has remained alive, evolving year after year. Massive free expansions, new missions, heists, cars, and even entire economies have emerged within the game.
For many players, GTA Online wasn’t just a game—it became a lifestyle. Friend groups formed heist crews, streamers built entire empires, and mods gave fans fresh ways to enjoy the city. It blurred the line between entertainment and virtual reality long before the metaverse hype.
The Bitter-Sweet Twist: Still No GTA VI
Here’s the shocking news that stings for fans: while GTA V is turning 12, GTA VI still hasn’t been released yet. Rockstar officially teased the sequel, and according to reports from Bloomberg and IGN, GTA VI is set to arrive sometime between 2025 and 2026.
The leak that shook the gaming industry in 2022 revealed unfinished GTA VI gameplay clips, sparking enormous discussion worldwide. But even with that confirmation, the wait has been painfully long, and players can’t help but feel torn between celebrating GTA V’s incredible legacy and aching for the next chapter.
Gamer Reactions: Nostalgia Meets Impatience
Fans around the world are pouring out nostalgic tributes today. Social media platforms are buzzing with clips of their favorite missions—some reliving the chaos of Trevor, others replaying Franklin’s street chases in Los Santos.
One Reddit user wrote, “I was 15 when GTA V dropped. Now I’m 27 with a job and family…and I’m still playing it. This game literally grew up with me.”
But alongside nostalgia is frustration. Many gamers feel Rockstar’s focus on GTA Online delayed GTA VI’s development. The community today feels like they’re collectively holding their breath for the next groundbreaking open-world adventure.
What It Means for Gamers Today
Whether you’re celebrating or waiting impatiently, one thing is clear: GTA V is more than just a game—it’s a legacy. Its daring storytelling, ambitious scale, and living, breathing world made it a landmark moment not only in gaming but in modern entertainment as a whole.
As we look forward to GTA VI, this anniversary reminds us why Rockstar’s creation left such a massive impact. GTA V wasn’t just about chaos in Los Santos—it was about freedom, choice, and an immersive experience that made millions of players around the world feel like they were living another life.
Source: Reddit
