Key information
Grand Theft Auto III, originally released on October 23, 2001, for PlayStation 2, marks its 25th anniversary. Developed by DMA Design, now known as Rockstar North, the title served as a pivotal turning point for the franchise and the broader open-world action genre.
The game revolutionized the industry by transitioning the series into a 3D environment. Its influence is reflected in a 97/100 Metacritic score and 14.5 million copies sold by 2008. While the title faced controversy regarding its violent and sexual content, these elements contributed to its widespread popularity.
The iconic comic-style cover art, created for the United States market following the September 11 attacks, became a lasting design staple for the franchise. This aesthetic has persisted through subsequent releases, including the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.
As the industry celebrates this milestone, anticipation builds for the November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. This upcoming production follows a development cycle spanning over a decade.
