As Rockstar Games prepares to usher in a new era with GTA 6, it's worth revisiting the monumental journey that began with GTA 5 more than a decade ago. These two titans of open-world gaming represent different technological generations, design philosophies, and expectations from an ever-evolving player base. This article breaks down the full release date timeline and key milestones of both games, providing a side-by-side look at how far the Grand Theft Auto franchise has come — and where it’s headed.
GTA 5 was officially released on September 17, 2013 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. At the time, it pushed the limits of what was possible on aging hardware — combining an expansive open world, three playable protagonists, and an emergent gameplay system that gave players unprecedented freedom.
Key milestones in GTA 5’s timeline:
2013: Initial release on PS3 and Xbox 360
2014: Enhanced edition launched for PS4 and Xbox One
2015: PC version released, introducing Rockstar Editor and modding support
2015–2023: Continuous content updates for GTA Online, from Heists to The Contract
2022: Expanded & Enhanced version released for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Rockstar’s long-term support of GTA 5, particularly through GTA Online, kept the game in the cultural spotlight far beyond typical AAA game lifecycles. The game's commercial success — surpassing 185 million units sold by 2025 — ensured its place as one of the most influential titles in gaming history.
GTA 6 was officially confirmed in early 2022, though rumors and leaks had circulated for years prior. After a massive leak in 2022 revealed early development footage, Rockstar remained tight-lipped until the debut trailer dropped in December 2023.
The trailer confirmed a return to Vice City, set in a modern, Florida-inspired environment. The two main protagonists — Lucia and an unnamed male partner — hint at a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style narrative. Powered by Rockstar’s new engine, GTA 6 promises vastly improved environmental realism, AI behavior, and world interactivity.
GTA 6 key milestones (so far):
2022: Rockstar officially confirms development
September 2022: Major gameplay footage leak occurs
December 2023: First official trailer reveals Vice City setting and main characters
2025 (Expected): Official release window confirmed for Fall 2025 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
2026+ (TBD): PC release expected but not yet announced
What makes GTA 6 even more anticipated is Rockstar's focus on building a “living world” — with evolving online elements, dynamic weather systems, and an economy that may adjust over time.
| Feature | GTA 5 | GTA 6 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Los Santos (Southern California) | Vice City (Modern-day Florida) |
| Playable Characters | Michael, Franklin, Trevor | Lucia + 1 unnamed male character |
| Initial Release Year | 2013 | 2025 |
| Platform Launch | PS3, Xbox 360 | PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Online Component | GTA Online (ongoing) | Likely new multiplayer platform |
| Engine | RAGE (older version) | Next-gen RAGE engine |
Looking back, GTA 5 felt like a culmination of Rockstar's open-world ambitions — a polished, chaotic, and richly detailed sandbox. It changed how we think about game longevity, especially with the success of GTA Online.
But now, as we await GTA 6, the excitement is not just about scale or graphics. It’s about what Rockstar will do differently — or better — after observing over a decade of industry shifts and player feedback.
Whether you're a returning fan or new to the franchise, understanding the GTA 5 vs GTA 6: full release date timeline and key milestones offers a deeper appreciation of what’s next in the world of Grand Theft Auto.