GTA 6 Could Be Gaming’s First ‘AAAAA’ Title, Says Devolver Digital Co-Founder

GTA 6 (Credit: Rockstar Games)

Grand Theft Auto 6 is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games in history, but according to Devolver Digital co-founder Nigel Lowrie, it might also set a new benchmark for the industry.

Speaking to IGN, Lowrie described Rockstar’s upcoming blockbuster as potentially the first true “AAAAA” game — a step beyond the “AAA” label used for decades to describe big-budget, high-profile releases.

“I mean, there are AAA games and then there’s AAAA games, and I’d argue that Grand Theft Auto is potentially the AAAAA game; it’s just bigger than anything else both in the scope and scale of the game and the kind of cultural impact that it has and the attention it demands,” Lowrie said.

The comment came during a discussion about how smaller publishers navigate release schedules when a juggernaut like GTA 6 is on the horizon. Lowrie admitted that Devolver — known for hits like Hotline Miami, Cult of the Lamb, and Death’s Door — has considered shifting its own launch dates to avoid clashing with Rockstar’s release. He once joked about “risking” a same-day launch, though the latest examples like Baby Steps being delayed to avoid Silksong, make that seem highly unlikely.

GTA 6’s influence on the industry is already being felt. The game, now set for May 26, 2026, after a delay, has caused other studios to rethink their release windows. Some have already moved projects, while others are nervously waiting to see if Rockstar shifts the date again.

The hype is backed by staggering expectations. Analysts predict GTA 6 could sell 40 million copies in its first year, generating around $3 billion in revenue. Development costs are rumored to be between $1 billion and $2 billion, with reports claiming as much as $300 million was spent on creating a single in-game ocean.

For context, GTA 5 has sold over 215 million copies, making it the second best-selling game of all time behind Minecraft.