GTA 6: Grand Theft Auto VI could smash revenue records

Rockstar Games' highly successful Grand Theft Auto franchise is poised to make a comeback with GTA VI in 2025. The game is not only expected to be a success, but it could also surpass its predecessor's revenue records. Despite being condemned by countries such as Britain, Germany, and France, and even being banned in Brazil, the game has attracted a significant following. It has also faced criticism from organizations like the Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the UK's Freedom from Torture organization. However, the game has cultivated a unique fan base and has even inspired numerous memes.

The first trailer for GTA 6 was leaked online in early December, generating a wave of excitement among fans. This prompted Rockstar Games to release the official version of the trailer earlier than planned. The teaser garnered massive views, dominated discussions, and signaled a potential windfall for Rockstar Games and the companies that facilitate gameplay, such as hardware developers and retailers. The Grand Theft Auto franchise has already proven to be a financial success. Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, disclosed that Grand Theft Auto V has sold over 190 million copies as of September 2023, bringing the total franchise sales to 410 million units and a net revenue of $781m (£623m). These figures encompass sales of the game across various platforms and consoles, remastered re-releases, and in-game purchases. In total, the franchise has generated more than $8bn (£6. 4bn) since 2008.

Expectations are high for GTA 6, not just in terms of its graphics and playability, but also its business potential. Grand Theft Auto V boasts the record for the best opening week sales in video game history, raking in $1. 15bn (£1. 2bn) in just five days. Despite this lofty benchmark, Dmitri Williams, a gaming business expert and professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communications in California, anticipates the new release to outperform its predecessor. The video game industry's value is staggering, with revenues projected to reach $250bn (£199bn) by the end of 2023. The popularity of esports and free-to-play games that generate substantial revenue through in-game purchases and licensing partnerships contribute significantly to this impressive financial footprint. Other blockbuster titles have also expanded the market. The film and television industries have capitalized on gaming's cult following through licensing. HBO's The Last of Us series (based on the 2013 Sony game) attracted more than 4. 7 million viewers for its premiere alone, while the Super Mario Brothers Movie grossed $1. 36bn (£1. 08bn) worldwide and received three Golden Globe nominations, boosting Nintendo's profits to over $1bn (£800m) for 2023. This overall global industry growth could enhance GTA 6's revenue potential once it hits the market, according to Williams.