How Much Money Has Rockstar Made From The Grand Theft Auto Games?
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise is one of the most profitable and influential in gaming history. Developed by Rockstar Games, the series has pushed the boundaries of open-world design, storytelling, and controversy since its debut in the late 1990s. But beyond its cultural impact, GTA has also been a staggering financial juggernaut. Let’s break down how much each game in the franchise has made and examine the incredible revenue Rockstar has earned — especially from GTA V and GTA Online.
The Early Years: GTA, GTA 2, and GTA III (1997–2001)
Grand Theft Auto (1997) & Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
The original top-down GTA games were cult hits but modest in sales. Together, they sold an estimated 2–3 million copies, generating around $50–$100 million in revenue (adjusted for inflation and market size at the time). These early games laid the foundation for something far more revolutionary.
Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
GTA III was the turning point. It introduced a fully 3D open-world city (Liberty City) and changed gaming forever.
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Sales: Over 14.5 million copies
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Estimated Revenue: ~$300 million
Its critical and commercial success cemented Rockstar’s place in the industry.
The PS2 Era Boom: Vice City and San Andreas (2002–2004)
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
Set in a neon-soaked, Miami-inspired world, Vice City became a fan favorite.
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Sales: 17.5 million copies
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Estimated Revenue: ~$500 million
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
San Andreas expanded the GTA world with RPG elements, multiple cities, and deeper mechanics.
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Sales: Over 27.5 million copies
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Estimated Revenue: ~$850 million
San Andreas was the best-selling game on the PlayStation 2 and remains one of the best-selling games of all time on any platform.
HD Era: GTA IV and Its Expansions (2008)
Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
Launched on PS3 and Xbox 360, GTA IV brought a darker, more realistic tone.
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Sales: ~25 million copies
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Estimated Revenue: ~$1.2 billion
This includes revenue from the two major expansions: The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony.
The Juggernaut: Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online (2013–2025)
Grand Theft Auto V (2013–Present)
GTA V is Rockstar’s crown jewel and one of the most profitable entertainment products in history — not just in gaming, but across all media.
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Sales: Over 200 million copies (as of 2024)
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Base Game Revenue: ~$7.5 billion
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GTA Online Revenue (Microtransactions): ~$2.5–3 billion
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Total Estimated Revenue: $10+ billion
GTA V launched on Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2013 and was later released on PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Its longevity is thanks in large part to GTA Online, which turned the game into a live-service platform.
GTA Online continues to bring in hundreds of millions annually through Shark Card purchases, timed content, and updates.
Spin-Offs and Mobile Versions
Rockstar also released spin-offs and remasters, including:
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GTA: Liberty City Stories
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GTA: Vice City Stories
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GTA: Chinatown Wars
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GTA Trilogy: Definitive Edition
Combined, these smaller titles have likely added another $200–300 million to Rockstar’s earnings.
Estimated Total Revenue from GTA Series (1997–2025)
| Title | Estimated Revenue |
|---|---|
| GTA & GTA 2 | $100 million |
| GTA III | $300 million |
| Vice City | $500 million |
| San Andreas | $850 million |
| GTA IV & Expansions | $1.2 billion |
| GTA V (Base Game) | $7.5 billion |
| GTA Online | $2.5–3 billion |
| Spin-offs/Remasters | $300 million |
| Total | $12.8–13.5 billion |
How Much Are They Expected to Make from GTA VI?
Grand Theft Auto VI, officially announced with trailers and teasers, is now scheduled for release in May 2026. Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive have sky-high expectations — and for good reason.
Projected Earnings:
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First-Year Sales: Estimated 25–30 million copies
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First-Year Revenue (Base Game): ~$2.5 billion
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Lifetime Sales (10 years): Could surpass GTA V with 200–250 million copies
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Lifetime Revenue (Including Online): $10–12 billion+
RELATED: Grand Theft Auto VI’s Second Trailer Drops – And It’s Glorious.
Analysts expect GTA VI to match or exceed GTA V’s performance, especially if GTA Online 2 is launched as a live-service component with premium and free content. With better monetization strategies, advanced graphics, and user-generated content support rumored, the sky is the limit.
Conclusion: Rockstar Are the GOATs
The Grand Theft Auto series isn’t just my favorite game franchise — it’s the reason I fell in love with gaming in the first place. Rockstar’s attention to detail, storytelling brilliance, and world-building mastery are unmatched. From GTA III to San Andreas to GTA V, every entry has been iconic. And with GTA VI on the horizon, they’re poised to dominate the industry once again. Rockstar Games aren’t just developers — they’re artists, innovators, and, without a doubt, the GOATs of the video game world.
