Crime doesn’t pay – unless it’s GTA

Gamers everywhere will soon be able to pull off elaborate heists, drag race in exotic cars, and start criminal organizations with their friends in a brand-new environment. Yesterday, Rockstar Games confirmed the upcoming release of what’s likely the most anticipated video game on the planet: the sixth installment of Grand Theft Auto.

What’s the big deal?... Much like Shaq after a growth spurt, the new GTA has some massive shoes to fill. Its predecessor, GTA V, has sold more than 185 million copies and earned ~$8 billion in revenue since being released in 2013, making it the highest-grossing single entertainment product of all time (excluding mobile games).

GTA V also holds more than a half-dozen other world records, including:

• The largest budget for a video game ($276 million)
• The best-selling video game in 24 hours (11.21 million units)
• The most revenue ever generated by an entertainment product in 24 hours ($815.7 million)

👀 Looking ahead… Rockstar said the first trailer for its next GTA installment will be released early next month. According to Bloomberg, the new game is set in a fictionalized version of Miami, and will feature the series’ first female protagonist.