As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, industry analysts believe its toughest competition will not come from other new titles—but from Rockstar’s own Grand Theft Auto 5. Released in 2013, GTA 5 has defied expectations by maintaining strong sales and player engagement for more than a decade.

Record-Breaking Sales for GTA 5
According to recent financial reports from Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, GTA 5 has sold over 215 million copies worldwide as of mid-2025. This achievement makes it one of the best-selling video games in history, second only to Minecraft.

What makes this figure even more impressive is the game’s continued momentum. In the first few months of 2025 alone, GTA 5 sold an additional 5 million copies, averaging 1.5 million units per month. Despite the anticipation for GTA 6, demand for its predecessor shows no signs of slowing down.

Why GTA 5 Remains Popular
Several key factors contribute to the lasting success of GTA 5. The game’s expansive open world, compelling storyline, and innovative heist missions set a new standard for open-world titles when it first launched. Rockstar’s ongoing updates to GTA Online, the multiplayer component, have kept the game fresh by introducing new events, content, and gameplay improvements. In addition to these features, there are also options for cheap but legit GTA 5 modded accounts that allow new players to catch up quickly.

Another major factor is accessibility. GTA 5 has been released across multiple console generations and PC, including enhanced editions that brought improved graphics and performance. This broad availability has consistently attracted new players over the years.

GTA 6’s Unique Challenge
With GTA 6 scheduled for release in May 2026, Rockstar faces the challenge of launching a game that not only delivers new features and narratives but also competes directly with the massive, ongoing success of GTA 5.

As one industry analyst noted:
“GTA 5 is still one of the top 20 bestselling games every single month. These are wild times to be trying to make new video games.”

This highlights the difficulty any new release faces when trying to surpass the popularity of established hits supported by a thriving community.

To succeed, GTA 6 will need to offer groundbreaking innovations, immersive storytelling, and next-generation visuals that capture the attention of both loyal fans and new audiences. Rockstar’s record-breaking trailer views and carefully planned marketing campaign indicate that the studio is preparing for one of the biggest launches in gaming history.

Before GTA 6 even reaches store shelves, it is clear that GTA 5 remains Rockstar’s biggest competitor. With over a decade of dominance, ongoing support through GTA Online, and millions of new copies sold each year, GTA 5 continues to shape the gaming industry. The question remains—will GTA 6 be able to surpass its legendary predecessor, or will GTA 5 maintain its place as Rockstar’s most enduring success?