Editing Grand Theft Auto

'''Grand Theft Auto''' (GTA) is a series of action-adventure video games created by David Jones and Mike Dailly, later overseen by brothers Dan and Sam Houser, Leslie Benzies and Aaron Garbut. It is primarily developed by British development house Rockstar North (formerly DMA Design) and published by its parent company, Rockstar Games. The series is set in fictional locales modeled after real-world cities, at various points in time from the early 1960s to the 2020s. The gameplay focuses on open-world exploration and action-adventure elements, often revolving around criminal activities.

== Overview ==
The Grand Theft Auto series is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed video game franchises of all time. As of 2024, the series has sold over 410 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises ever. The series is widely known for its open-world design, satirical depiction of American culture, and controversial content including violence, adult themes, and criminal gameplay elements.

== Gameplay ==
Grand Theft Auto games are typically played from a third-person perspective, though the series has evolved to include first-person options in later titles. Players generally control a single protagonist (with some exceptions) through a narrative-driven campaign while having the freedom to explore an open world environment. Core gameplay elements include:

* '''Open-world exploration''': Players can freely navigate expansive urban environments, rural areas, and varied landscapes
* '''Vehicle theft and operation''': A wide range of vehicles can be stolen and driven, including cars, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, and specialized vehicles
* '''Combat systems''': Ranging from hand-to-hand fighting to various weapons and explosives
* '''Mission structures''': Story progression through main missions, with numerous optional side missions and activities
* '''Wanted system''': Law enforcement response to player criminal activities with escalating levels of pursuit

== Main Series Games ==

=== 2D Era (1997-1999) ===

* '''Grand Theft Auto''' (1997) - The original game set across three fictional cities: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City
* '''Grand Theft Auto: London 1969''' (1999) - Expansion pack set in London
* '''Grand Theft Auto: London 1961''' (1999) - Second expansion pack
* '''Grand Theft Auto 2''' (1999) - Set in a retro-futuristic metropolis called "Anywhere City"

=== 3D Era (2001-2006) ===

* '''Grand Theft Auto III''' (2001) - Revolutionary 3D open-world game set in Liberty City, inspired by New York City
* '''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City''' (2002) - Set in 1986 in Vice City, inspired by Miami
* '''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas''' (2004) - Set in 1992 across the state of San Andreas, inspired by California and Nevada
* '''Grand Theft Auto Advance''' (2004) - Game Boy Advance title set in Liberty City
* '''Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories''' (2005) - Set in 1998 Liberty City
* '''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories''' (2006) - Set in 1984 Vice City

=== HD Era (2008-2024) ===

* '''Grand Theft Auto IV''' (2008) - Set in a reimagined Liberty City with more realistic graphics and physics
** '''The Lost and Damned''' (2009) - First episodic expansion
** '''The Ballad of Gay Tony''' (2009) - Second episodic expansion
* '''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars''' (2009) - Set in Liberty City with a unique top-down perspective
* '''Grand Theft Auto V''' (2013) - Set in Los Santos and Blaine County (based on Los Angeles and Southern California)
** Featured three playable protagonists: Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips
** Includes '''Grand Theft Auto Online''' (2013) - Multiplayer component that has received continuous updates
* '''Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition''' (2021) - Remastered collection of GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas
* '''Grand Theft Auto VI''' (2025) - The latest entry in the series, set in Leonida (based on Florida) featuring the series' first female protagonist

== Setting ==
The Grand Theft Auto series primarily takes place in fictionalized versions of American cities, organized into three distinct universes:

=== 2D Universe ===

* '''Liberty City''': Based on New York City
* '''San Andreas''': Based on San Francisco
* '''Vice City''': Based on Miami
* '''Anywhere City''': A retro-futuristic city with three districts

=== 3D Universe ===

* '''Liberty City''': Redesigned version based on New York City
* '''Vice City''': Based on Miami and Miami Beach
* '''San Andreas''': A state containing three cities: Los Santos (Los Angeles), San Fierro (San Francisco), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas)

=== HD Universe ===

* '''Liberty City''': More detailed reimagining of New York City
* '''Alderney''': Based on New Jersey
* '''Los Santos and Blaine County''': Based on Los Angeles and Southern California
* '''North Yankton''': A midwestern state featured in GTA V
* '''Leonida''': Based on Florida, the setting for GTA VI

== Storytelling and Themes ==
The series is known for its satirical take on American culture, politics, and society. Recurring themes include:

* '''The American Dream''': Often portrayed as corrupted or unattainable through legitimate means
* '''Crime and punishment''': Exploration of criminal underworlds and their relationship with society
* '''Social commentary''': Satire of consumerism, celebrity culture, political corruption, and media sensationalism
* '''Character studies''': Later games particularly focus on complex character development and relationships

== Controversy ==
The Grand Theft Auto series has been the subject of significant controversy throughout its history:

* '''Violence''': Criticized for depicting graphic violence and allowing players to commit virtual crimes
* '''Sexual content''': Contains depictions of sexual themes, including the infamous "Hot Coffee" mod controversy with San Andreas
* '''Political concerns''': Has faced criticism from politicians and advocacy groups concerned about its potential influence
* '''Legal challenges''': Has faced numerous lawsuits and attempts at legislation to restrict its sale

Despite these controversies, the series has been defended on artistic grounds and as protected speech, with many critics praising its social commentary and satire.

== Cultural Impact ==
Grand Theft Auto has had a profound impact on popular culture and the video game industry:

* '''Open-world design''': Revolutionized and popularized open-world gameplay mechanics
* '''Narrative sophistication''': Raised the bar for storytelling in video games
* '''Technical innovation''': Each major release has pushed technical boundaries
* '''Economic influence''': GTA V is one of the highest-grossing entertainment products of all time
* '''Industry standards''': Influenced game design, marketing, and production values across the industry

== Sales and Reception ==
The series has achieved unprecedented commercial success:

* '''Grand Theft Auto V''': Over 190 million copies sold, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time
* '''Critical acclaim''': Consistently high review scores across the main series
* '''Awards''': Numerous Game of the Year awards and inclusion in "greatest games" lists
* '''Financial impact''': GTA V generated over $8 billion in revenue, with GTA Online continuing to generate significant recurring revenue

== See Also ==

* Rockstar Games
* Open-world video games
* Video game controversies
* Action-adventure games
* Third-person shooters

== References ==
[References would be listed here in Wikipedia format]

== External Links ==

* Official Grand Theft Auto website
* Rockstar Games official website

'''Categories:''' Grand Theft Auto | Rockstar Games | Action-adventure games | Open-world video games | Video game franchises | Organized crime video games