How Long Has GTA 5 Been Around?

I still remember the buzz like it was yesterday. My friend called me at 7 in the morning, completely hyped, shouting, “Bro, GTA V just dropped!” That day, school didn’t even matter—we were already at his house by noon, controller in hand, trying to figure out how to fly a plane into the Vinewood Hills.

Back then, the game felt like a revolution. The graphics, the open world, the characters—nothing came close. But fast forward to today, people still ask, “How long has GTA 5 been around?” And to be honest, the answer surprises many every time.

So, How Long Has GTA 5 Been Around?

GTA 5 has been around since September 17, 2013. That’s right—this game has been living in our consoles, PCs, and even streaming platforms for more than a decade now. It was originally released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and I played it on a 360 with a controller so worn out it squeaked.

The game didn’t just fade after a few months like most others. Instead, Rockstar Games kept breathing life into it—releasing updates, launching GTA Online, and even making it available for newer consoles like the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and later the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

At this point, it feels less like a game and more like a part of culture. Even kids who weren’t born when it first launched are now playing it. That’s how wild it is.

The Release Timeline: More Than Just One Launch

When I say GTA 5 came out in 2013, I mean that was just the beginning. Since then, Rockstar has practically rolled it out like a movie franchise—platform by platform.

The first version dropped in 2013 for PS3 and Xbox 360. I remember the loading times being long enough to cook ramen noodles between missions. Then in 2014, it got a facelift and was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Suddenly, everything looked sharper, smoother, and the online mode became way more fun.

PC players had to wait a bit longer—April 2015, to be exact. But it was worth it. The mods alone made it feel like a completely different game. I once installed a mod that turned every car into a tank. Chaos? Absolutely. Fun? You bet.

And just when you thought Rockstar was done, they launched GTA 5 Enhanced Edition for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022. Better graphics, faster load times, and smoother gameplay kept the hype alive. I’ve played every version, and each one brought something new to the table—even if the core story never changed.

Why GTA 5 Is Still Relevant Today

It’s pretty rare for a game to stay relevant for over 10 years, but GTA 5 pulled it off. You’d think by now it would’ve felt stale, but thanks to GTA Online, the ride never really stopped.

Every few months, Rockstar adds something fresh—new heists, vehicles, missions, even random seasonal events. It’s like they know exactly how to keep us hooked. I’ve personally spent nights grinding missions just to buy a nightclub I never used again. But hey, it felt great at the time.

Plus, the roleplaying (RP) community gave the game a second life. I joined a GTA RP server once where I played a taxi driver. No shootouts, no chaos—just me trying to make a living on the virtual streets of Los Santos. Honestly, it was more fun than it should’ve been.

GTA 5 also keeps trending on Twitch and YouTube. Content creators stream it, mod it, and react to it every day. It’s more than a game now; it’s a platform, a meme factory, and a storytelling machine.

How GTA 5 Changed the Gaming Industry

I don’t say this lightly, but GTA 5 shaped the future of open-world games. Before it came along, open-world games were either too empty or too repetitive. But Rockstar nailed the formula—giving us a massive world, layered characters, and a storyline that sticks even after you’ve played it a dozen times.

I remember switching between Michael, Trevor, and Franklin and getting completely sucked into their lives. One moment I was robbing a jewelry store, and the next I was attending a yoga class with Michael’s wife. The attention to detail made the world feel so real, it was easy to forget it was all pixels.

Many games tried to follow its path. Some did well; others not so much. But GTA 5 set a benchmark. It taught developers that if you want a game to last, you have to make the world believable, not just big.

Even today, when a new open-world game comes out, you’ll hear people say, “But is it as good as GTA 5?” That says everything.

The Anticipation for GTA 6 (Because We’re Still Waiting)

Now let’s be honest. As much as we love GTA 5, most of us are just wondering when GTA 6 will finally show up. It’s like waiting for your food delivery while knowing the kitchen is still chopping onions.

Rockstar confirmed that they’re working on GTA 6, and yes, we saw the leaks. But the wait has been long—painfully long. And because GTA 5 is still doing so well, they’ve had no reason to rush.

If you ask me, I think GTA 6 has to blow us away. It’s got some big shoes to fill. But Rockstar has a reputation for taking their time and getting it right. And I get it—after what GTA 5 achieved, the pressure is real.

But until GTA 6 finally lands, GTA 5 will probably keep doing its thing, and I’ll probably still be flying jets into the Pacific Ocean just for laughs.

FAQs

When was GTA 5 released?

GTA 5 was first released on September 17, 2013, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Is GTA 5 still popular in 2025?

Yes, GTA 5 is still very popular. Thanks to regular updates and a strong online community, it remains one of the top-played games even in 2025.

Which platforms can you play GTA 5 on?

GTA 5 is available on PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Why has GTA 5 lasted so long?

It’s lasted because of consistent updates, a massive online multiplayer mode, and strong support from Rockstar Games and its community.

Has GTA 5 aged well?

Surprisingly, yes. While it’s over 10 years old, regular enhancements and re-releases have kept it fresh.

Is GTA 5 better than GTA 4?

GTA 5 offers more content, improved graphics, and larger gameplay options than GTA 4. But some still prefer GTA 4’s storytelling.

How long will GTA 5 be supported?

As long as players keep playing and GTA 6 isn’t officially released, Rockstar is likely to keep supporting GTA 5.

What made GTA 5 so successful?

A rich storyline, huge open world, detailed missions, and GTA Online’s constant updates played a big role in its success.

Can kids play GTA 5?

GTA 5 is rated Mature (17+) for strong language, violence, and adult content. It’s not meant for children.

What’s the difference between GTA 5 and GTA Online?

GTA 5 includes the story mode, while GTA Online is a separate multiplayer experience set in the same world.