Grand Theft Auto V (Preview)

Spring 2013
PS3, Xbox 360

Developed by Rockstar North
Published by Rockstar

Grand Theft Auto V, the biggest entry in the series yet.

Today Rockstar Games posted the above picture on their official website, confirming speculations of a release in the first half of 2013 (I'm guessing May when both Red Dead Redemption and L.A. Noire fell into our laps over the past two years respectively). There was no way it was coming out this holiday season as many fans hoped.

Along with the sensual poster Rockstar released the following press notes:

"Today, we're proud to announce that Grand Theft Auto V is expected to launch worldwide spring 2013 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Developed by series creator Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto V takes place in a re-imagined, present-day Southern California in the largest and most thriving game-world we have ever created set in the sprawling city of Los Santos and for miles beyond – from the tops of the mountains to the depths of the ocean.

Starting next week November 5, 2012, Grand Theft Auto V will become available for pre-order everywhere and fans can expect a host of new information to become available in November."

Paragliding is likely just one of the many activities you can engage in. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

There is a lot of food for thought there. Calling it "the largest" is a very big deal. San Andreas, possibly my favorite of the series was some 14 square miles - and felt even bigger than that. As a point of reference, Grand Theft Auto IV was less than half that coming in around 6 sq. miles. (FYI: Game worlds are speciality of mine, I plan to do plenty-a-post on the topic.) The presentation in the trailer (below) looks remarkably polished considering the size, but we still need to see actual gameplay before making any bold declarations.

The phrase "from the tops of the mountains to the depths of the ocean" particularly intrigues/excites. Expect base-jumping and and paragliding (as this screenshot proves) but also anticipate scuba diving and, dare I suggest, a submarine of some sort. Now let's not forget the name of the game. There will be a whole city (a take on modern day L.A.) of cars to jack and its denizens to interact with.

I for one am eagerly awaiting the next issue of GameInformer wherein GTA V has received cover treatment...

It was almost a year ago today (November 2, 2011) that Grand Theft Auto V became official with this trailer. We have not received one more shred of video since that time (impressive really when you consider the leak-y digital age we live in) though Rockstar has left fans with baited breath through a released screenshot here and there. You can guarantee myself and the other members of the Crew will keep you posted on this game until (and after) it hits shelves several months from now.

Words by J.S. Lewis