Is GTA the Ultimate Gaming Franchise? Take-Two’s CEO Certainly Thinks So

When it comes to truly dominant franchises in the gaming world, few can hold a candle to the runaway success of Grand Theft Auto. What started as a controversial but cult classic series in the late 90s has grown into an unstoppable entertainment juggernaut that has lapped its competition several times over.

The numbers don’t lie – GTA V alone has made over $10 billion in revenue since its 2013 release, earning it a place on the list of the most profitable entertainment products of all time. With over 200 million copies sold to date, it absolutely obliterated sales records and expectations and continues to sell to this day.

In the words of Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick (thanks to Tech4Gamers), GTA is “a real outlier” that has eclipsed even gaming’s other titans like Call of Duty. As Zelnick stated, just the mere announcement of a new GTA trailer is enough to “break the internet” with the GTA 6 trailer amassing 93 million views in a single day.

So, how did this once niche and edgy crime series become such a mainstream blockbuster phenomenon? A large part of its success stems from Rockstar’s unmatched world-building abilities. GTA‘s satirical but lovingly crafted versions of famous American cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and New York are simply unparalleled in breathing life into a virtual setting.

However, it’s not just size and scale that has allowed GTA to leave all competitors in the dust. It’s the remarkable attention to detail that makes its worlds feel truly alive, with no empty stretches or forgettable spaces. From the sunny beaches to the rural backroads, there’s always something interesting to discover around every corner. Rockstar’s sandboxes are rich playgrounds that few other developers can match.

Crucially, the GTA franchise has also perfectly straddled the line between edgy, mature content and widespread appeal. Its concepts of giving players the freedom to cause over-the-top havoc in intricate crime worlds is inherently attractive. The best part is how Rockstar layers it with outstanding narratives, lively characters, and a healthy dose of social commentary to create well-rounded experiences.

With the hotly anticipated GTA 6 still a year away, the competition has barely been able to gain ground on this throne. Rockstar’s crown jewel has transcended video games to become a genuine pop culture institution, leaving all other franchises to simply admire from afar.

For now, Strauss Zelnick is right on the money – Grand Theft Auto reigns supreme without any equal in sight.