‘Grand Theft Auto’ set for blockbuster return after 13 years

GTA VI is due out on November 19, 13 years after its predecessor, and its reported development budget has topped $1 billion. The game follows Jason, a former drug-runner, and Lucia, a newly released ex-con, in Vice City, a fictional reimagining of Miami; Lucia is the first playable woman in a main entry in the franchise. Rockstar Games spent eight years developing the title, with the process disrupted by a 2022 leak of footage and code, while pre-sales have reportedly generated around $750 million. Analysts expect a record-breaking launch, and several studios have delayed releases to avoid competing with the game’s hype.