Grand Theft Auto-V was announced on Rockstar Games' website last October, just a few days after the 10th anniversary of Grand Theft Auto III. Every web page on Rockstar Games' website (even the old Vice City and San Andreas pages) was replaced with a page containing the GTA V logo and a release date for the trailer. The page also promoted the Twitter hash-tag #GTA-V.
Rockstar Games have spoken their first words recently, on “Grand Theft Auto V” with an official release statement squashing the rumours of a return to San Andreas; they have confirmed that “we're heading back to Los Santos only, but with the inclusion of Surrounding hills, Countryside and Beaches”.
GTA 5, which is also said to be Rockstar's “largest and ambitious game”, promises to recreate a large portion of modern day Southern California according to the statement, and money will be a heavy influence as perhaps indicated by the new style “V” logo. A bold new direction in open-world freedom, storytelling, mission-based gameplay and online multiplayer, Grand Theft Auto V focuses on the pursuit of the almighty dollar in a re-imagined, present day Southern California.
The trailer was officially released on November 1, 2011. It did reveal the location, some brief details regarding the plot but unfortunately, no indication of when the game will be released.
GTA 5 will be released in 2012, assuming there are no delays. After Rockstar announces a game, they tend to market it for seven to eight months, which means that GTA-V is likely to be released during the summer of 2012.
Platforms
There have been no reports of a new Xbox or PlayStation console arriving any time soon. It is therefore likely that the new GTA will be developed for the current generation of consoles, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. A PC version will hopefully be developed. Grand Theft Auto was born on the PC in 1997, but in recent times the console versions have taken priority, with the PC versions typically arriving eight months after the original release date.
After the troubled release of GTA IV PC, however, Rockstar may opt not to develop a PC version of GTA-V. Hopefully that isn't the case, but only time will tell. The great thing about PC versions is the ability they give players to modify the games' content, which extends their lifespan considerably. The PC version of San Andreas is still incredibly popular six years after its release, thanks to all the awesome cars, weapons, multiplayer modes and mission modes generated by fans.
Finally, with crazy gamers all around the world, many have already started pre-booking the DVD's. We'll all hope they just don't delay the launch of the most awaited game of the season!
Arvind is a Ist Year Information Technology student at Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering.
