Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released in 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, in 2014 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, in 2015 for Microsoft Windows, and in 2022 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Key Information

• Release Date: September 17, 2013 (Original release)
• Developers: Rockstar North
• Publishers: Rockstar Games
• Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Genre: Action-adventure

Gameplay

GTA V is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, based on Southern California. The single-player story follows three protagonists:

1. Michael De Santa: A former bank robber living under witness protection
2. Trevor Philips: Michael's former partner in crime and a volatile drug dealer
3. Franklin Clinton: A street gangster looking for opportunities for serious money

Players can switch between these characters at almost any time during the game.

Key Features

• Open-world environment allowing players to freely roam San Andreas
• Missions for story progression
• Side activities including tennis, yoga, and golf
• Ability to switch between characters during missions for tactical advantages

Setting

The game is set in the fictional city of Los Santos (based on Los Angeles) and the surrounding areas of Blaine County. The map is vast and diverse, including:

• Urban areas
• Countryside
• Beaches
• Mountains
• Forests

Online Multiplayer

Grand Theft Auto Online, the online multiplayer mode, was launched in October 2013. It allows up to 30 players to engage in cooperative or competitive game matches.

Development

• Development began around 2008, following the release of Grand Theft Auto IV
• The development team consisted of more than 1,000 people
• The game's combined development and marketing budget was estimated at more than £170 million (US$265 million)

Reception

GTA V received universal acclaim upon release:

• Metacritic score: 96/100 (based on 50 critic reviews for the PlayStation 3 version)
• Praised for its multiple protagonist design, open world, presentation, and gameplay
• Criticized by some for its depiction of women and Trevor's violent behavior

Sales and Records

• Broke industry sales records by earning US$800 million in its first day and US$1 billion in its first three days
• As of August 2024, it has sold over 205 million copies worldwide
• It is the second best-selling video game of all time

Controversies

The game has been the subject of several controversies, primarily related to its depiction of violence and women. Despite this, it remains one of the most popular and influential video games of all time.

Music

The game features an extensive soundtrack:

• Original score composed by Tangerine Dream, Woody Jackson, The Alchemist, and Oh No
• In-game radio with 18 stations playing over 441 licensed tracks
• Official soundtrack albums released, including score selections and radio songs

Legacy

GTA V's success has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, setting new standards for open-world game design and financial success in the video game market.