Grand Theft Auto
News, coverage and analysis tracking Grand Theft Auto across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Rhythm Heaven Groove Demo Now Available on Switch
A demo for the rhythm game Rhythm Heaven Groove is now available on the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo Switch. The demo allows players to try out five new minigames and features progress carry-over to the full release, which launches on July 2, 2026. Producer Tsunku returns to guide players through the game's signature music-driven challenges.
DDLV Players Are FURIOUS — Is Honeyglow Woods Just a Cash Grab?
Players of Disney Dreamlight Valley are expressing anger over the new Honeyglow Woods DLC, with many believing it is a "cash grab" and the second half of a previously released DLC, Wishblossom Ranch. Community members on Reddit feel Gameloft intentionally split one complete DLC into two paid releases, leading to dissatisfaction and discussions about boycotting future purchases.
The Evolution of Grand Theft Auto's Iconic Cover Art, Now Including GTA 6
Rockstar Games has revealed the cover art for Grand Theft Auto 6, prompting a look back at the evolution of the franchise's iconic artwork. The article traces the history of Grand Theft Auto cover art, culminating with the new reveal for the upcoming title.
Nearly 30 Years Later, Only One GTA Cover Actually Shows The Titular Crime
An analysis of the Grand Theft Auto series' cover art reveals that only Grand Theft Auto 2 has ever depicted the titular crime of 'grand theft auto' in progress. Subsequent titles, including the recently revealed Grand Theft Auto VI cover, feature collages of characters and activities rather than the specific act of stealing a car.
A History Of Grand Theft Auto Box Art, From GTA 1 To GTA 6
This article traces the evolution of Grand Theft Auto cover art from the original game to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6. It highlights how Rockstar Games, and previously DMA Design, have maintained a consistent visual identity while adapting to new game settings and artistic trends, with Stephen Bliss being a key artist in establishing the iconic mosaic style.
GTA and Crazy Taxi collide in Steam Next Fest's biggest isekai surprise
Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?! is a unique Steam Next Fest demo that blends Grand Theft Auto-style vehicular chaos with Crazy Taxi-like delivery mechanics. Players use a delivery truck to cause havoc and earn experience points for a resurrected corporate marketer, Carissa, in a fantasy world. Developed by Strange Scaffold, the game features a clash between its dark premise and cutesy anime presentation, with driving action that also draws comparisons to The Simpsons Hit & Run.
UK employment tribunal denies Rockstar's request to have 'blacklisting' claims removed from upcoming trial
A UK employment tribunal has denied Rockstar Games' request to remove 'blacklisting' allegations from an upcoming trial brought by fired workers represented by the IWGB Game Workers union. The trial, set to begin September 10, will proceed with these claims, which stem from the dismissal of 34 staff in the UK and Canada for alleged gross misconduct. The IWGB accuses Rockstar of union-busting, while Rockstar claims confidential information was leaked.
What the heck are you playing at, games industry?
The article criticizes the recent surge in video game studio closures and layoffs, highlighting numerous studios shut down by major publishers like Ubisoft, EA, Embracer, Sony, and Microsoft. It questions the business strategies of these publishers, particularly Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory and the high development cost of Xbox exclusives like Gears of War E-Day, while also pointing to the industry's pursuit of live services and infinite growth over sustainable development.
Study Measures Heart Rate Across 16 Games to Find the Most Stressful — Dark Souls Almost Wins, but Mario Kart
A study by BonusFinder US monitored the heart rates of 14 gamers across 16 titles to determine which games induce the most physiological stress. Mario Kart ranked highest for average heart rate increase over a 30-minute session, while Dark Souls III produced the most extreme peak heart rate spike during a boss fight. Conversely, games like Animal Crossing and The Sims were found to lower heart rates below resting levels.
What went wrong with Sega's $776m acquisition of Angry Birds giant Rovio?
Sega Sammy's $776 million acquisition of Rovio has faced significant challenges, resulting in a $200 million impairment due to profitability falling below forecasts. Issues include difficulties integrating Rovio's technology and the mature state of the Angry Birds franchise in a rapidly changing mobile market with increased user acquisition costs and platform shifts. While Take-Two's acquisition of Zynga eventually proved successful, Sega's situation highlights the complexities and risks involved in acquiring mobile game companies, particularly when relying heavily on established IP.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2
Amazon Games has confirmed that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will be released on February 12, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Steam, and the Nintendo Switch 2. The game's release was delayed to avoid competition with a new Grand Theft Auto title.
‘Don’t drop the soap’: GTA actor celebrates prison sentence for swatter who targeted him
An actor known for his role in Grand Theft Auto is celebrating the sentencing of an individual who targeted him with swatting incidents. The perpetrator will serve prison time for the harassment.
A Deep Dive Into The Longing For Modern Nostalgia in Gaming – Why Retro-Inspired Works!
This article explores the phenomenon of modern nostalgia in gaming, arguing that retro-inspired games offer a unique form of escapism by harkening back to simpler times and human connections. The author discusses how these games, with their often crude graphics and straightforward gameplay, provide a refreshing alternative to the complexity and corporate control of the modern internet and gaming landscape. The piece also touches on community feedback from platforms like Reddit and Facebook, highlighting player preferences for pick-up-and-play experiences and creative innovation often found in indie titles.
Grand Theft Auto’s Success is Hard to Meet Even for Former Rockstar Employees, Says Take-Two CEO
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick commented on the increasing difficulty of creating hit games in a mature industry, noting that even former Rockstar Games employees have struggled to replicate Grand Theft Auto's success. He emphasized Take-Two's goal to attract such talent to their own company rather than face them as competitors. Zelnick also discussed Grand Theft Auto 6's development, stating that annual releases are not a priority and that the franchise's success was built over time, not through a fixed release cadence.
Take-Two CEO says 'former Rockstar employees' have tried to match GTA's success and 'haven't been able to'—and while he doesn't name names, that's gotta sting for a certain someone
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that while AI could theoretically allow smaller teams to create games, it doesn't guarantee success on the scale of Grand Theft Auto. He noted that many, including former Rockstar employees, have tried to replicate Rockstar's hit-making ability without success, emphasizing that creativity, not just technology, is key to continued success.
Tomo: Endless Blue Launches on Kickstarter With First Gameplay Trailer
Indie studio Onibi has launched a Kickstarter campaign for their open-world voxel RPG, Tomo: Endless Blue, featuring procedurally generated worlds and offline gameplay. The game's first trailer, which showcases gameplay mechanics like creature capture, physics-based building, and real-time combat, has garnered significant attention. Backers can receive early access and exclusive rewards, with the game also featuring a robust creative mode and modding support.
My memories of classic GTA have been gloriously smothered by this reasonably SFW giantess erotica game
Step 'n Smush is a free browser game where players control large women stepping on cities to gain size, with the goal of crushing buildings and pedestrians within a time limit. The game, developed by Kylie-GTS, is described as reasonably SFW erotica with inspirations from Godzilla films and games like Rampage. The article also briefly touches upon the broader macrophilia community and mentions other games like Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil Village.
Mixtape Isn't Just a Video Game
Mixtape is an artistic exploration of nostalgia and the coming-of-age experience, blurring lines between storytelling and multimedia art. Developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game uses a curated soundtrack and vignettes to evoke the bittersweet emotions of youth and friendship. The article argues that such unique, artful experiences are vital for the evolution of the video game medium, even if they fall outside mainstream expectations.
Listen to the Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) Q4 2026 earnings call here
Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of Grand Theft Auto, will hold its Q4 2026 earnings call today. Investors and interested parties can listen to the discussion of the company's latest financial results.
Morning Interviews
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Strauss Zelnick discussed Grand Theft Auto, the role of artificial intelligence in game development, and the future of Roblox. He also spoke about his vision for building the world's largest entertainment company.