With the latest title of the “Grand Theft Auto” franchise scheduled for a highly anticipated release in the summer of 2025, We thought that now was a great opportunity to look back on this incredible series of games and see exactly how they evolved with each groundbreaking title. Sure, the content of “GTA” is pretty violent and unsuitable for kids, but the sheer technological advancements that each game has brought are staggering. Let’s explore the evolution of “Grand Theft Auto.”
Grand Theft Auto 1 & 2
Back in the ’90s, Rockstar Games released the original “Grand Theft Auto,” which took the gaming world by storm with its simple premise – a criminal raises hell in a city from a bird’s eye view and completes side missions along the way. At the time, the first two installments were pretty revolutionary in terms of the gameplay. But it was just the beginning.
GTA 3
Grand Theft Auto III was the first real indication that the possibilities were endless, at least as far as this style of game was concerned. The 2001 title moved from the top-down view to a full, 3D, open-world landscape, where the main player could explore a bustling fictional version of New York City – known as Liberty City in the game.
GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas
While the following two installments didn’t change too much in terms of overall gameplay, “GTA Vice City” and “GTA San Andreas” reached a whole new audience because of their commitment to the worlds and periods in which they were set. Unlike the generic present-day feel of “GTA III,” “Vice City” presented a heavily “Miami Vice”-inspired, ‘80s environment. The main character could now use boats, fly helicopters, and even take over a mansion straight out of “Scarface.”
As for “GTA San Andreas,” players were transported to early ’90s Compton, while also having the opportunity to explore fictionalized versions of San Francisco and Las Vegas. The pure escapism these games brought was undeniable.
GTA IV and GTA V
While many Millennials may have grown out of gaming by the time GTA IV came out, a completely new generation was being exposed to the much more advanced graphics and gameplay of the next two installments.
The visuals on display in both games were absolutely miles ahead of what came before. Also, the worlds in which the games were built were so much more detailed, with so many more corners and avenues to explore. GTA V broke all kinds of records and raised the bar for the entire gaming industry.
GTA VI
While information about the upcoming “GTA VI” is limited – the initial trailer released by Rockstar Games went viral instantly and ensured that excitement levels skyrocketed. Based on the footage, it appears that players will be returning to Vice City. Except, this time, it’s present-day Vice City, which means that the Florida-Man-Tiger-King-tackiness of the Sunshine State is in full effect.
When you compare the graphics of this one to “GTA 1,” it just goes to show how much has changed and the innovations the video game world has been through over the last few decades. Roll on 2025!