Take-Two Interactive has released updated sales figures that reveal Grand Theft Auto V has now sold a staggering 215 million copies worldwide. This milestone, achieved in early 2025, represents an increase of 5 million copies since February 2024, when the game stood at 210 million copies sold. This achievement solidifies GTA 5's position as one of the best-selling video games of all time, second only to Minecraft in total sales.

The Journey to 215 Million

Grand Theft Auto V's journey to 215 million copies sold has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its initial release in September 2013, the game has consistently maintained strong sales across multiple platforms and generations. The game's ability to continue selling millions of copies more than a decade after its release is unprecedented in the gaming industry.

The sales trajectory shows consistent growth, with the game reaching 100 million copies in 2018, 150 million in 2020, and now 215 million in 2025. This steady growth demonstrates the game's enduring appeal and Rockstar's successful strategy of continuously updating and improving the experience through GTA Online.

Factors Contributing to Continued Success

Several key factors have contributed to GTA 5's continued commercial success. The most significant is GTA Online, the multiplayer component that has received regular updates and new content since its launch. These updates keep the game fresh and engaging, encouraging both new purchases and continued play from existing owners.

The game's availability across multiple platforms has also been crucial. GTA 5 has been released on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Each new platform release brings in new players while existing players often purchase the game again to experience improvements on newer hardware.

Regular sales and discounts have made the game accessible to a wider audience. Rockstar and retailers frequently offer the game at reduced prices, making it an attractive purchase for players who may have been hesitant to buy at full price. These sales events often result in significant spikes in sales figures.

Comparison to Other Best-Selling Games

GTA 5's 215 million copies sold places it firmly among the best-selling video games of all time. While Minecraft leads with over 300 million copies sold, GTA 5's achievement is particularly notable because it's a premium, story-driven game rather than a sandbox building game with different monetization models.

Compared to other AAA titles, GTA 5's sales figures are exceptional. Most successful games sell tens of millions of copies, but reaching over 200 million is extremely rare. This puts GTA 5 in an elite category of games that have achieved truly global recognition and commercial success.

Revenue and Financial Impact

The financial success of GTA 5 extends far beyond initial sales. GTA Online's microtransactions have generated billions of dollars in additional revenue for Take-Two Interactive. The combination of strong initial sales and ongoing revenue from online play has made GTA 5 one of the most profitable entertainment products in history.

This financial success has allowed Rockstar Games to invest heavily in development, leading to high-quality updates and the development of new titles like the highly anticipated GTA 6. The revenue from GTA 5 has essentially funded Rockstar's entire operation for over a decade.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Beyond sales figures, GTA 5 has had a profound cultural impact. The game has influenced countless other titles, popularized certain gameplay mechanics, and become a cultural touchstone. References to the game appear in other media, and it has become part of mainstream popular culture in a way that few games achieve.

The game's three-protagonist system, open-world design, and satirical take on modern American culture have been widely praised and imitated. GTA 5 has set standards for what players expect from open-world games, influencing the entire industry.

Future Prospects

With GTA 6 on the horizon, many have wondered if GTA 5's sales will decline. However, history suggests that the announcement and release of a new game in a series often boosts sales of previous titles. Players who are excited about GTA 6 may purchase GTA 5 to catch up on the series, while others may want to revisit Los Santos before moving to the new game.

The continued support for GTA Online also ensures that the game will remain relevant. As long as Rockstar continues to update the online component, there will be reasons for new players to purchase the game and existing players to continue playing.

Conclusion

Reaching 215 million copies sold is a testament to GTA 5's quality, appeal, and Rockstar's commitment to supporting the game long after its initial release. This achievement represents more than just commercial success—it demonstrates the game's ability to remain relevant and engaging across multiple console generations and to a global audience.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, GTA 5's sales milestone serves as a reminder of what's possible when a developer creates a truly exceptional game and continues to support it with quality content. The game's legacy will likely extend far beyond its sales figures, influencing game development and player expectations for years to come.