The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise has created a remarkable history on the gaming world. It’s known for its open-world freedom, where you can learn about bold storytelling and other genre-specific gameplay features. GTA has pushed boundaries since its beginning. You can look for franchise options that let you record insights into both highs and lows. However, one constant is waiting for a new GTA release.
The GTA series doesn’t follow a strict chronological timeline; each game begins with a new setting, era, or perspective. It keeps the players curiously surprised. Let’s take a detailed look on the complete history of the GTA franchise and its evolution.
Grand Theft Auto (1998)
If you are not new to GTA, you must have this. Grand Theft Auto was released on 21 October 1998. It was set up with DMA Design. The game features cities such as Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. The game features a top-down 2D perspective. The graphics show simplicity, and the gameplay has been revolutionary over time. It offers players unmatched freedom. To date, it retains a nostalgic charm, allowing new gamers to explore various retro lines.
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1999)
This London-based Grand Theft Auto was released on 31 March 1999, which was the franchise’s first pack. It was set in 1960s London, where they dealt with a 2D universe, with core mechanics. It was developed by Rockstar Games in Canada, and has a British setup and cultural flavour. Other than this, the expansion can be played on PlayStation, MS-DOS, and Windows.
Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 (1999)
The second version was expanded and released on 1 June 1999. It’s like a prequel to London 1969. The other gameplay features remained unchanged, but it also has a multiplayer experience. The franchise was established by the first drive by a mechanic. Later, it became an iconic movement for everyone. There were also other platforms, which remained similar to the previously mentioned expansion.
Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
GTA 2 was released on 22 October 1999. It was expanded on the platforms that support cities, such as Game Boy Colour and Dreamcast. The game is set in Anywhere City, which features an improved AI. There are other mechanics, such as gang reputation and new weapons. However, it has been adopted with early 3D models, with a perspective giving on overhead view.
Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
GTA III was released on 22 October 2001. It has marked a transitional phase, featuring a fully 3D open world and a third-person camera. The game was set in Liberty City, which delivered a much more immersive and realistic experience. It achieved success with the foundation laid in the modern GTA titles. It has an open-world design, dominating Rockstar.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released on 29 October 2002 and has transported players to a neon-lit world. It is inspired by the 1980s and set on Miami. There are other gameplay mechanics similar to GTA III. The game stood out for its incredible soundtrack, atmosphere, and vibrant aesthetics. This has become the most beloved entry in the series.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
GTA: San Andreas was launched on 24 October 2004. It features the protagonist Carl “CJ” Johnson, set in Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas. Along with this, it comes with rural towns and other wilderness areas. Other RPG elements include character customisation, fitness, and other skill progression. With massive scales and depth, it has set a new standard in the industry.
Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004)
The GTA Advance was released for the Game Boy Advance. It has served as a prequel to GTA III. Due to hardware limitations, the 2D graphics were reverted to an overhead camera view. Though it’s been a part of the 3D universe, when compared with San Andreas. It feels underwhelming, but it remains the least option and the entry point to the franchise.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)
When GTA III was released on 24 October 2005 for PSP. The Liberty City stories have improved mechanics and include an additional storyline. Later, it was ported to PS3, iOS, Android, and Fire OS, allowing and make much more accessible to modern players.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)
In 2006, the final game in the 3D Universe was released. The Vice City Stories, though, is a prequel to Vice City. The gameplay has been redefined through systems and visuals, while retaining a similar setting and style. It has been ported to mobile platforms but remains limited to PSP, PS2, PS3, and PSN.
Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
Grand Theft Auto was released on 29 April 2008. It made it the start of the HD era. It takes place in a darker, more realistic Liberty City. The game features advanced physics, an enhanced AI system, and a much more mature narrative. It received praise across a wide range, but still received a full remaster.
GTA IV Expansions: The Lost and Damned & The Ballad of Gay Tony
These expansions introduce new protagonists, storylines, and gameplay styles. Other features include motorcycle-focused missions and nightlife-centric chaos. It wasn’t revolutionary, but it has added depth to the GTA IV universe.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)
This Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars was released on 17 March 2009. This Chinatown Wars was set in Liberty City. It has certain features with a stylised top-down view. It has a modern feel and focuses on Triad crime syndicates. Despite its platform limitations, it was praised for innovation and storytelling.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Grand Theft Auto V was released on 17 September 2013. The game largely focuses on San Andreas and on Los Santos. The game introduced three playable protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Each of them has a unique personality and story arc. GTA V has refined its open-world mechanics, featuring a highly detailed environment. It is on eof the best-selling video games of all time.
Grand Theft Auto Online (2013)
Released alongside GTA V, GTA Online is Rockstar’s multiplayer experience set in the same world. Players can create custom characters and engage in missions, heists, races, businesses, and live events. Over the years, Rockstar has continuously expanded GTA Online with major updates, making it one of the most profitable and long-running online games in gaming history.
Grand Theft Auto V: Expanded & Enhanced (2022)
The Expanded & Enhanced edition launched on 15 March 2022 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. It brought improved graphics, faster loading times, ray tracing, better performance modes, and enhanced audio. This version modernised GTA V for next-generation consoles while keeping the core gameplay intact.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (2021)
Released on 11 November 2021, this remastered collection includes GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas. The trilogy featured updated visuals, improved lighting, modern controls, and quality-of-life improvements. Although the launch received mixed reactions, it allowed a new generation of players to experience Rockstar’s most iconic 3D-era titles.
Upcoming: Grand Theft Auto VI (Expected 2025)
Rockstar has officially confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI, which is expected to release around 2025. The game is set in a modern re-imagining of Vice City and promises a massive open world, advanced AI systems, and a deeper narrative experience. GTA VI is one of the most anticipated video games of all time, expected to redefine open-world gaming once again.
FAQs
1. Which is the most famous GTA game?
GTA: San Andreas, which is the most iconic and loved by many.
2. When did GTA make it to fully 3D?
GTA released GTA III in 2001.
3. Is GTA IV the latest numbered title?
Yes, GTA IV is the most recent one.
4. Can we say that all GTA games are connected?
No, because GTA uses multiple universes (2D, 3D, HD) that have separate timelines.
5. Which GTA game founded open-world freedom?
The original GTA (1998) laid the foundation in the open-gaming community.