More than a decade after launch, Grand Theft Auto 5 is still doing what it does best – breaking records.
In its latest quarterly earnings report, Take-Two Interactive confirmed that GTA 5 has now sold a staggering 225 million copies worldwide. That’s a jump from the 220 million copies reported in the previous quarter, proving that the game continues to find new players even in 2026.
For a title that first launched back in 2013, this kind of momentum is almost unheard of in the gaming industry.
A Game That Refuses to Age
Grand Theft Auto V has now lived through three console generations and PC releases. From PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 to modern consoles and high-end PCs, the game has reinvented itself repeatedly without losing its core appeal.
Few games manage to stay relevant for more than a couple of years. GTA 5 has done it for more than 12 years, and the sales numbers show no sign of exhaustion.
Discounted bundles, next-gen upgrades, and a steady stream of online content have kept the game fresh. Even today, new players are still jumping into Los Santos for the first time.
GTA Online Is the Real Money Machine
While GTA 5’s story mode is iconic, the real financial engine behind its success is Grand Theft Auto Online.
In the same earnings release, Take-Two highlighted strong growth in recurrent consumer spending (RCS), which includes in-game purchases like Shark Cards and premium content.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
- Recurrent consumer spending is expected to grow 17% year over year, largely driven by GTA Online.
- RCS rose 23% overall in the most recent quarter.
- GTA Online alone saw a massive 27% increase in spending during that period.
These are huge figures, especially for a game that’s been around for more than a decade.
Regular updates, limited-time events, new vehicles, missions, and quality-of-life improvements continue to keep players engaged. GTA Online has effectively become a live-service platform that evolves with its community.
Why Players Keep Coming Back
The secret to GTA Online’s staying power is consistency.
Rockstar-backed development teams continue to roll out content updates that encourage players to return, grind, and spend. Whether it’s new criminal enterprises, co-op missions, or seasonal bonuses, there’s always something happening in Los Santos.
This steady content pipeline has turned GTA Online into one of the most profitable entertainment products ever created, not just in gaming, but across all media.
All Eyes on GTA 6
Despite GTA 5’s continued dominance, attention is slowly shifting toward what comes next.
Grand Theft Auto VI is officially scheduled to launch in November 2026, and Take-Two once again reaffirmed that release window in its latest earnings filing.
After years of rumors, delays, and speculation, fans finally have a solid timeline. For many players, GTA 6 represents the next big leap forward for open-world games.
Physical Release Rumors Shut Down
Recently, rumors began circulating online claiming that GTA 6 would launch as a digital-only title, sparking concern among collectors and physical media fans.
Those rumors have now been debunked, easing fears that physical editions would be phased out. While official details about editions and pricing remain under wraps, the clarification has reassured longtime fans who prefer boxed copies.
Why GTA 5’s Success Still Matters
GTA 5’s continued sales growth isn’t just impressive, it’s strategic.
The game’s performance gives Take-Two a financial safety net as it prepares for the massive launch of GTA 6. Strong revenue from GTA Online means the company doesn’t need to rush its next release, allowing developers more time to polish the experience.
From an industry perspective, GTA 5 has set a new benchmark for longevity. It has shown that with the right post-launch support, a single game can dominate charts for over a decade.
A Rare Case of Gaming Longevity
Very few titles can claim this level of cultural and commercial impact. GTA 5 continues to rank among the best-selling games of all time, sitting comfortably alongside legends like Minecraft and Tetris.
Its success also highlights a shift in how modern games operate. Today, it’s not just about launch day sales, it’s about building an ecosystem that keeps players invested for years.
GTA 5 mastered that formula.
What Happens Next?
With GTA 6 still months away, GTA 5 and GTA Online will remain central to Take-Two’s business strategy. Expect more updates, more events, and more incentives to keep players spending time and money in Los Santos.
At the same time, anticipation for GTA 6 will only continue to grow as Rockstar begins ramping up its marketing efforts.
Final Thoughts
Selling 225 million copies this late into its lifecycle is nothing short of extraordinary. GTA 5 has gone beyond being just a video game, it’s become a long-running digital platform that continues to evolve.
As the industry waits for GTA 6, one thing is clear: GTA 5 isn’t going anywhere just yet.
What about you? How many times have you bought GTA 5, and which platform do you play on the most? Are you ready to move on, or are you still enjoying GTA Online?
