Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto VI is not just a "AAA" or "AAAA" title, but a standalone "AAAAA" game, according to industry veteran and Devolver Digital co-founder Nigel Lowrie. In a recent interview, Lowrie stated that nothing in the industry can match the GTA series when it comes to its immense scale, scope, and cultural influence. This claim comes as the highly anticipated game continues to dominate conversations across the video game industry.
Lowrie explained his reasoning for the unprecedented "AAAAA" label. "I mean, there are AAA games and then there's AAAA games and I'd argue that Grand Theft Auto is potentially the AAAAA game; it's just bigger than anything else both in the scope and scale of the game and the kind of cultural impact that it has and the attention it demands," he told IGN. The term "AAAA" was previously used by other developers, such as Ubisoft for Skull & Bones, a comment that had drawn some jokes and memes.
The game's influence extends far beyond its own development, affecting the release calendars of other studios. Adam Lieb, the CEO of marketing platform Gamesight, noted the significant impact GTA 6 has had on industry planning. "I would say that GTA for the last year and a half has been a part of almost every conversation around launch dates I have heard," Lieb said. The game's recent delay from late 2025 to May 26, 2026, reportedly caused some studios to adjust their own game release schedules.
The hype surrounding the game is fueled by various financial predictions. Several firms have forecasted monumental success for the title upon its release. One firm predicted that the game could sell 40 million copies and generate $3 billion in revenue in its first year alone. Other analysts have even higher projections, with one partner at Konvoy suggesting the game could generate $7.6 billion in revenue and sell 85 million copies within its first 60 days. The game has gigantic shoes to fill, as its predecessor, GTA 5, has sold more than 215 million copies worldwide.
With a confirmed release date of May 26, 2026, GTA 6 continues to be a subject of intense discussion and speculation. The game is expected to redefine industry standards and user-generated content platforms. As the gaming world holds its breath, it's clear that the final product will be measured not only by its content but by the sheer magnitude of its impact on the cultural and financial landscape of the industry.