Grand Theft Auto V Almost hits a Billion at Launch

Grand Theft Auto V is a definite success – as if anybody expected otherwise – with the best part of a billion dollar’s worth of games sold in only a single day. The exact number is closer to $800 million, and it’s the biggest launch for both publisher Take-Two and within the Grand Theft Auto series itself.

Nobody is surprised. Not only is it part of one of the biggest franchises in the gaming world (and one of the few that has the potential to be a billion-selling title), but it’s also getting more than a few positive reviews. Nobody is surprised, but everybody should be impressed. This amount of money – a billion is near impossible to comprehend – is only usually reserved for the likes of Call of Duty, and anything that lights up the gaming industry as a bigger contender in the wider entertainment industry has to be a good thing. 

From the press release:

“All of us at Take-Two are thrilled with the initial response to Grand Theft Auto V. Once again, the team at Rockstar Games have outdone themselves, setting the entertainment industry’s new standard for creativity, innovation and excellence,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two. “Beginning at midnight on Monday, consumers around the world gathered in anticipation to be among the first to experience the evolution of this remarkable series. In North America alone, more than 8,300 stores opened their doors at midnight to welcome fans whose loyalty and enthusiasm were rewarded with what The New York Times called ‘the most immersive spectacle in interactive entertainment’. We are incredibly proud of Rockstar Games’ creative achievement and could not be more pleased with the success of this launch.”