GTA 5 Turns 12, Fueling Nostalgia
This week marks a milestone that makes many gamers feel the passage of time: GTA 5 is now twelve years old. Since its initial release on September 17, 2013, Rockstar’s groundbreaking open-world game has become a permanent fixture in the gaming landscape, making the long wait for its successor feel even more pronounced.

The anniversary has sparked a wave of nostalgia mixed with anticipation across social media. Fans are sharing their memories of causing mayhem in Los Santos, with one user joking, “12 years later and I’m still finding new ways to crash my car into the ocean.” Others recalled the early days of GTA Online, remembering it as a revolutionary experience when played with friends.
This birthday is particularly significant because it should be the last one before Grand Theft Auto VI finally arrives. The current release window of May 2026 means that by this time next year, players should be immersed in the streets of Vice City rather than looking back at Los Santos. However, the anniversary also serves as a reminder of Rockstar’s tendency toward perfectionism, leaving some fans cautious about potential delays.
The conversation highlights the unique position GTA 5 holds in gaming history. Even after twelve years, it continues to sell remarkably well and maintains a strong player base, a testament to its enduring appeal. Yet, many acknowledge that the game has “overstayed its welcome,” and the community is overwhelmingly ready for a new experience.
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As the countdown to GTA VI continues, this anniversary acts as both a celebration of a classic and a reminder that the next evolution of the series is finally on the horizon. The hope is that this milestone will be the last birthday GTA V celebrates as Rockstar’s latest mainline game.