How Much Money Has GTA 5 Made?

Grand Theft Auto V isn’t just one of the most popular games ever made — it’s also one of the most profitable entertainment products of all time. Since its launch in 2013, Rockstar’s open-world masterpiece has continued to break sales records, generate massive revenue through GTA Online, and stay relevant more than a decade later. Unlike most games that peak within a year or two, GTA 5 has maintained steady growth thanks to constant updates, re-releases on multiple platforms, and its incredibly active online mode. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how much money Rockstar has made from GTA 5, breaking down its lifetime sales, annual revenue, and the impact of GTA Online on its success.

How Much Money Has GTA V Made Since Release?

Since its release in September 2013, Grand Theft Auto V has become one of the most profitable games in history, generating nearly $10 billion in total revenue by 2025. The game’s success was immediate, pulling in $815 million within the first 24 hours and crossing $1 billion just three days after launch — a record that made it the fastest-selling entertainment product ever. Over a decade later, GTA 5 continues to deliver strong sales and revenue, with more than 215 million copies shipped worldwide as of March 2025, securing its spot as the second best-selling video game of all time. What sets GTA 5 apart is not only its single-player sales but also the consistent revenue stream from GTA Online, which still brings in hundreds of millions annually thanks to its active player base of around 22 million monthly users. Take-Two Interactive has reported that the entire Grand Theft Auto franchise has earned close to $9 billion since GTA 5’s launch, with this single title driving the majority of those profits. This cements GTA 5 as Rockstar’s crown jewel and one of the most financially successful entertainment products ever created.

All GTA 5 Sales Overview

Since its release in 2013, GTA 5 has shattered sales records and continued to perform at an extraordinary level across every console generation. Within its first 24 hours, the game earned $815 million on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and by day three it had already surpassed $1 billion — the fastest any entertainment product had ever reached that milestone. By May 2014, sales had climbed close to $2 billion, and as Rockstar expanded the game to new platforms like PS4, Xbox One, and eventually PC, revenues only accelerated. By April 2018, GTA 5 had already crossed $6 billion in lifetime revenue, making it the highest-earning game of its time. Sales momentum didn’t slow down either — in 2020 alone, the game sold an additional 20 million copies, its strongest year since launch thanks to GTA Online updates and pandemic-driven playtime. Even over a decade later, the numbers remain staggering. By late 2023, GTA 5 had reached $8.5 billion in lifetime revenue, and by March 2025, it had shipped 215 million copies worldwide. Recent reports from May 2025 confirm it is closing in on $10 billion in total earnings, proving GTA 5 isn’t just a launch phenomenon but a long-term sales powerhouse that continues to dominate charts years after its debut.

Will GTA 6 Surpass GTA 5 Sales?

Many experts believe GTA VI is on track to not only match but surpass GTA V’s incredible success. Projections from market research firms suggest the game could bring in as much as $3.2 billion in its first year, with around $1 billion of that expected to come from pre-orders alone. Early estimates also point to sales reaching 40 million copies within the first twelve months, putting it far ahead of GTA V’s launch pace. Over its lifetime, analysts expect GTA VI to generate more than $10 billion, with GTA Online playing a central role in sustaining revenue.

The scale of investment behind GTA VI highlights just how high expectations are. Reports indicate its development and marketing budget has already crossed $1 billion, with some speculation placing it closer to $2 billion — making it the most expensive video game ever created. By comparison, GTA V cost around $265 million, which was considered groundbreaking at the time. With a budget several times larger and a global audience eagerly awaiting release, GTA VI is positioned to be one of the most profitable entertainment launches ever, not just in gaming but across all media. This combination of massive hype, record-breaking pre-order potential, and long-term online content ensures GTA VI will almost certainly outpace GTA V both in sales and total revenue.

Conclusion

GTA 5’s success story is unlike anything else in gaming history. From smashing sales records on launch day to maintaining billions in revenue more than a decade later, Rockstar turned the game into one of the most profitable entertainment products of all time. With over 215 million copies sold and close to $10 billion earned, GTA 5 not only shaped the future of open-world games but also redefined what long-term live service content like GTA Online could achieve. As Rockstar prepares for GTA VI, the legacy of GTA 5 proves that the franchise is more than just a game—it’s a cultural and financial juggernaut that continues to set the standard for the industry.