Diff: Grand Theft Auto series
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The '''Grand Theft Auto''' (GTA) series is a renowned open-world action-adventure video game franchise developed by [[Rockstar North]] and published by [[Rockstar Games]]. Known for its expansive gameplay, intricate storytelling, and controversial content, the series has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. |
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The '''Grand Theft Auto''' series, usually shortened to '''GTA''', is an open-world action-adventure video-game series published by Rockstar Games. The series began in 1997 with ''Grand Theft Auto'', developed by DMA Design, the Scottish studio later known as Rockstar North. |
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== History == |
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The first Grand Theft Auto game was released in 1997 and was developed by DMA Design. Initially released for [[MS-DOS]] and later ported to various platforms, including the [[PlayStation]] and [[Game Boy Colour]], the game established the foundation for the series. |
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Grand Theft Auto is built around fictional cities, crime stories, driving, shooting, exploration and satirical versions of American culture. It is one of Rockstar's most recognisable franchises and one of the most commercially important series in modern games. |
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== Main Titles == |
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== Origins == |
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The first ''Grand Theft Auto'' was released in 1997. It used a top-down view and let players move through city maps while completing criminal jobs, stealing vehicles and avoiding police. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto III === |
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Released in 2001, Grand Theft Auto III is widely regarded as a landmark title in the series. It was the first GTA game to feature a fully 3D open-world environment, allowing players to explore the fictional Liberty City freely. |
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DMA Design later became Rockstar North, and Rockstar Games became the publisher most closely associated with the series. The early games created the basic formula, but the series became much larger after it moved into 3D. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto: Vice City === |
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Set in the 1980s-inspired Vice City, this instalment in the series was released in 2002. It is known for its captivating storyline, memorable characters, and vibrant setting. |
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== 3D Era == |
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''Grand Theft Auto III'', released in 2001, moved the series into a fully 3D open-world city. Its version of Liberty City became the model for later entries, combining missions, free-roaming exploration, radio stations, vehicles and criminal storylines. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas === |
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Released in 2004, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas expanded the scale of the series, introducing a vast open-world representation of the fictional state of San Andreas. It featured a diverse range of environments and activities. |
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''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' followed in 2002 with a setting inspired by 1980s Miami. ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' followed in 2004 and expanded the scale to a fictional state with cities, countryside and role-playing-style character progression. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto IV === |
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Grand Theft Auto IV, released in 2008, marked a shift towards a more realistic and narrative-driven approach. It followed the story of Niko Bellic, an immigrant seeking a better life in Liberty City. |
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== HD Era == |
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''Grand Theft Auto IV'', released in 2008, moved the series into a more detailed version of Liberty City and used a more grounded narrative tone. It followed Niko Bellic, an immigrant drawn into crime after arriving in the city. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto V === |
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[[Grand Theft Auto V]], released in 2013, is one of the most successful entries in the series. It introduced a multi-protagonist system, allowing players to switch between three characters as they navigate the fictional city of Los Santos. |
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''Grand Theft Auto V'', released in 2013, is set in Los Santos and the surrounding state of San Andreas. It uses three protagonists: Michael, Franklin and Trevor. Its online component, ''Grand Theft Auto Online'', became a long-running live-service game with heists, businesses, vehicles, events and regular updates. |
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== Side Titles == |
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== Grand Theft Auto VI == |
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''Grand Theft Auto VI'' is scheduled by Rockstar for release on 19 November 2026. Rockstar's official material places it in the fictional state of Leonida, including Vice City, and centres the story on Jason and Lucia. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories === |
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Released in 2006, Vice City Stories is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and follows the character Victor Vance. |
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Pre-orders for ''Grand Theft Auto VI'' were announced for 25 June 2026. Rockstar lists PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for the initial release. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars === |
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Chinatown Wars, released in 2009, is a handheld game set in the Grand Theft Auto IV rendition of Liberty City. It is notable for its top-down view and drug-dealing mechanic. |
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== Themes and Style == |
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Grand Theft Auto games use crime stories to parody politics, celebrity culture, policing, consumerism, media, business and urban life. Radio stations, adverts, in-game television and background dialogue are used to build the satire. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories === |
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Liberty City Stories, released in 2005, is set in the same fictional city as Grand Theft Auto III but takes place three years earlier. |
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The series is also controversial. Its mature content, violence, criminal framing and satire have made it a frequent subject of public debate. At the same time, the games are widely discussed for their open-world design, mission structure, soundtracks and technical ambition. |
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== Online Play == |
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== Legacy == |
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Grand Theft Auto helped define the modern open-world action game. Later sandbox games borrowed or reacted against its mixture of driving, combat, open-city traversal, mission design and side activities. |
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=== Grand Theft Auto Online === |
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[[Grand Theft Auto Online]], the multiplayer component of Grand Theft Auto V, offers a vast open-world environment for players to explore and interact with other players. It features various activities and modes, including heists and races. |
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The series' commercial success, long gaps between major releases and ongoing popularity of ''Grand Theft Auto Online'' have kept it central to Rockstar's public identity. |
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== Legacy and Cultural Impact == |
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The Grand Theft Auto series has had a profound impact on the gaming industry, influencing open-world game design and storytelling. It has courted controversy due to its mature content and themes but has also been lauded for its innovative gameplay and engaging narratives. |
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== See Also == |
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* [[Grand_Theft_Auto_V]] |
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* [[Grand_Theft_Auto_Online]] |
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* [[Rockstar_Games]] |
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* [[Rockstar_North]] |
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== References == |
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* [https://www.rockstargames.com/games?franchise=grand-theft-auto Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto games] |
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* [https://www.rockstargames.com/gta-online Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto Online] |
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* [https://www.rockstargames.com/VI/ Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto VI] |
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* [https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/ak3ak31a49a221/grand-theft-auto-vi-is-now-set-to-launch-november-19-2026 Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto VI release date] |
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* [https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/517oa135328155/grand-theft-auto-vi-pre-orders-begin-on-june-25 Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders] |
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* [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Grand-Theft-Auto-video-game Encyclopaedia Britannica: Grand Theft Auto] |
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[[Category:Video games]] |
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[[Category:Rockstar Games]] |