Reflecting on the Game's Journey: Join us in a Nostalgic Look Back
![]() |
| Celebrating 10 Years of Grand Theft Auto 5 |
It's somewhat astonishing, but indeed, yesterday marked a full decade since the initial release of GTA 5 on the PS3 and Xbox 360.
Undoubtedly, it has etched itself as a significant milestone in recent gaming history, propelled by astonishing lifetime sales of over 160 million copies, critical acclaim, and a continuous stream of controversies courtesy of Rockstar Games and its parent company, Take-Two. The enduring popularity of its multiplayer component, GTA Online, stands as a testament to its resilience, with Rockstar regularly introducing fresh updates and content.
With Rockstar diligently crafting GTA 6 and Take-Two hinting at a possible release as early as next year, this seems like an opportune moment to reflect on the accomplishments, blunders, and musings encircling GTA 5.
Let's revisit our initial review of GTA 5 from a decade ago, where it all started. With years of gameplay behind us since its debut, we've had ample time to complete multiple runs through the story campaign, allowing us to ponder the intricate narrative threads woven by the game and the unique ways we, as players, intertwine with them.
Our resident VR aficionado, Ian, ventured into the world of a mod that enables you to experience the entirety of GTA 5 in virtual reality, and he certainly relished racing around the bustling streets of Los Santos. You can catch a glimpse of Ian's escapades in the embedded video above, as he attempts daring stunts such as driving on the wrong side of the road and narrowly escaping becoming a shark's dinner in GTA 5 VR.
As Ian recounted in his blog post about this experience, you'll need a fairly potent PC to run the mod without hiccups. Thankfully, Digital Foundry has done the legwork in dissecting GTA 5's PC release to identify the optimal hardware configurations, providing a helpful benchmark for those aiming to maximize their gaming experience.
GTA 5 has sparked numerous discussions and analyses, not only on the technical front but also on conceptual levels. While its cynical humor and satirical take on society remain among the game's most memorable features, it has divided opinions regarding its usage and influence. The enduring appeal of GTA Online was poignantly encapsulated by the Cayo Perico Heist, a content update introduced in 2020.
GTA Online found a place in our Games of the Decade series for the 2010s, commended for delivering a multiplayer experience that arguably stands unrivaled. It's a realm filled with untold stories awaiting discovery and narration, exemplified by episodes like The Diamond Casino Heist and the long-awaited opening of the casino's doors to players after six years.
However, Take-Two's affection for GTA 5 fans has occasionally been less evident. Eight years have passed since the company dispatched two private investigators to the home of a modder in an effort to halt their work on FiveM, a mod that aimed to provide an alternative online experience within the game. Take-Two has persistently pursued modders, frequently issuing takedowns for mods ranging from additional maps to AI-driven NPC interactions. In a surprising twist, though, Rockstar announced just last month that it had recruited the team of modders responsible for FiveM, individuals who had previously been banned from playing GTA 5 and GTA Online.
It has unquestionably been a whirlwind decade for GTA 5. Will its enduring legacy persist for another ten years? Only time will unveil that answer.

إرسال تعليق