Grand Theft Auto 5 or GTA 5 in short, originally released in 2013, is once again at the top of the sales charts. The iconic open-world crime game became the best-selling title in Europe during August, beating out several notable new releases. Its ongoing success demonstrates the game’s lasting appeal, even as Rockstar Games slowly reveals more about the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.
GTA 5 beats out new releases and popular titles in August
Despite being over a decade old, Grand Theft Auto 5 managed to surpass multiple fresh releases, including Star Wars Outlaws and Concord, to secure its position as Europe’s best-selling game in August. This remarkable achievement is even more impressive considering it outperformed other gaming powerhouses like Hogwarts Legacy and EA Sports FC 24. GTA 5’s long-standing popularity continues to amaze, especially when taking into account the vast competition it faces from both new and ongoing titles.
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The game’s broad appeal stems not only from its immersive single-player campaign but also from its expansive multiplayer mode, GTA Online, which has kept players engaged for years. The online component has fostered a dedicated community, with popular servers and role-playing features that continue to attract gamers.
A decade of success driven by story and multiplayer
One of the primary factors contributing to GTA 5’s success is its innovative approach to storytelling. The game was the first in the Grand Theft Auto series to feature three playable characters—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. This dynamic storytelling allowed players to experience the plot from multiple perspectives, adding a level of depth that set the game apart from its predecessors.
In addition to the story mode, GTA Online has played a crucial role in maintaining the game’s popularity. Launched shortly after the base game, GTA Online offers an ever-evolving online world where players can engage in missions, build criminal empires, and join thriving role-playing communities. The combination of a rich narrative and a continuously updated multiplayer experience has kept the game relevant for over a decade.
GTA 5 sales triumph over notable competition
In a report by GamesIndustry, it was confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 5 topped the European sales charts for August, surpassing popular games like Hogwarts Legacy and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Although newer releases, such as Star Wars Outlaws and Concord, were expected to perform well, GTA 5’s enduring legacy proved too strong. It’s important to note that digital sales data for Black Myth: Wukong, another major August release, was not available for comparison, which may have slightly influenced the rankings.
Here are the top 10 best-selling games in Europe during August:
- Grand Theft Auto 5
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- EA Sports FC 24
- Borderlands 3
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Grand Theft Auto Online
- Titanfall 2
- It Takes Two
This report also highlighted console sales trends, revealing that 300,000 consoles were sold across Europe in August. Although this represents a 42% decline compared to last year, sales saw an improvement from July. The PlayStation 5 ranked as the best-selling console for the month, with the Nintendo Switch coming in second.
Rockstar teases details about GTA 6
As Grand Theft Auto 5 continues its dominance, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the franchise—Grand Theft Auto 6. Rockstar Games has slowly started revealing information about the much-rumored title. Earlier this year, Rockstar confirmed that they are aiming for a Fall 2025 release for GTA 6, which has generated immense excitement within the gaming community.
The reveal of the first trailer in December was met with great enthusiasm, sparking speculation that GTA 6 could shatter records when it finally launches. Given the level of hype surrounding the game, many industry analysts and fans believe that it will be a historic release, with the potential to exceed the massive success of GTA 5.
GTA 5 remains a gaming powerhouse as GTA 6 approaches
The sustained success of Grand Theft Auto 5 over the years is a testament to Rockstar Games’ ability to create a product with lasting appeal. Whether through its innovative story mode, the thriving online community, or the regular updates to GTA Online, GTA 5 has secured its place as a staple in the gaming industry.
As fans await more concrete details on GTA 6, GTA 5 continues to be a go-to game for many players. Its reappearance at the top of the sales charts demonstrates that even after more than a decade, the game’s allure has not diminished. With GTA 6 on the horizon, Rockstar is poised to build on the massive foundation that GTA 5 has established, setting the stage for what could be the next big moment in gaming history.
