Grand Theft Auto 6 Dubbed First-Ever “AAAAA” Game by Industry Veteran

The anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 has reached such incredible heights that some experts believe the long-awaited Rockstar Games title can no longer be defined by traditional industry standards. According to Nigel Lowrie, co-founder of Devolver Digital, GTA 6 deserves to be labeled as the world’s first true “AAAAA” game, a term that goes far beyond the conventional “AAA” classification used for blockbuster releases.

For decades, the “AAA” label has been shorthand for the most ambitious and high-budget projects in gaming, typically released by publishing giants such as Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft, EA, and Take-Two Interactive. These games are defined by massive development teams, marketing budgets worth hundreds of millions, and a level of polish designed to capture mainstream audiences. However, with GTA 6, Lowrie argues that the scale, ambition, and cultural relevance are so unprecedented that the game demands an entirely new category.

Ubisoft once experimented with the term “AAAA” to market its 2024 live-service title Skull and Bones, attaching a $70 price tag in an attempt to justify the label. Unfortunately, that effort fell flat as the game struggled commercially and was widely mocked by players. In contrast, GTA 6 is being described as something altogether different — a once-in-a-generation release that may well redefine the gaming industry.

Speaking in an interview with IGN, Lowrie stated:

“There are AAA games, and then there are AAAA games, but I’d argue that Grand Theft Auto 6 is potentially the first AAAAA game. It’s just bigger than anything else in scope, scale, and cultural impact.”

The claim isn’t without merit. Both trailers released so far have showcased highly realistic animations, stunningly detailed environments, and a level of technical fidelity rarely seen in modern gaming. Reports suggest Rockstar has poured nearly $1 billion into GTA 6’s development over the past eight years, making it the most expensive video game production in history. Despite this staggering figure, industry analysts project that the game could generate more than $10 billion in revenue, with an estimated $7.6 billion expected within its first two months on the market.

What sets GTA 6 apart, however, is not just its technical ambition or massive budget but its cultural weight. Few gaming franchises have achieved the same global recognition as Grand Theft Auto. Each release becomes a defining cultural event, sparking conversations far beyond gaming circles and influencing music, film, and social media. For this reason, many studios have already shifted their release schedules to avoid launching new titles anywhere near GTA 6’s confirmed release window of May 2026, recognizing that Rockstar’s juggernaut is set to dominate headlines and player attention worldwide.

Lowrie further explained that even Devolver Digital, a company known for its bold marketing stunts, is unwilling to gamble against Rockstar’s next blockbuster. Although the publisher once joked about releasing a game on the same day as GTA 6, Lowrie has since clarified that risking the livelihood of a development team against such a cultural force would be a reckless decision.

With hype continuing to build and expectations at an all-time high, it’s no exaggeration to say that GTA 6 is positioned not only as a groundbreaking video game but also as a cultural phenomenon. If it truly lives up to the “AAAAA” label, Rockstar Games may once again set the standard for what the industry can achieve.