On May 26, 2026, the long-awaited release of Grand Theft Auto VI could redefine not only Rockstar’s legacy but the entire gaming industry. According to Nigel Lowrie, co-founder of indie publisher Digital Return, the game may become the world’s first-ever “AAAAA” title—a category that doesn’t officially exist but reflects its unprecedented ambition and cultural weight.
What Does “AAAAA” Mean?
The video game industry has long used terms like AAA to describe blockbuster titles with massive budgets and hundreds of developers behind them. Games such as God of War, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Forza Horizon 5 are examples of traditional AAA productions.
Ubisoft once introduced the term AAAA with its troubled pirate adventure Skull and Bones, but the label was widely mocked given the game’s rocky development and lukewarm reception.
Lowrie argues that GTA 6 goes beyond even that, explaining in an interview with IGN:
“There are AAA games and AAAA games, and I would say Grand Theft Auto is potentially the AAAAA game. It is simply larger than anything else, both in scope and scale, and in the cultural impact it causes and the attention it requires.”
Industry-Wide Impact
Lowrie also suggested that GTA 6’s release could disrupt the entire gaming calendar. Much like major film studios avoid releasing blockbusters on the same weekend as Marvel or Star Wars films, game studios may look to steer clear of Rockstar’s juggernaut.
Earlier in 2026, uncertainty loomed as developers debated whether to shift their launches to avoid direct competition. Now, with GTA 6 locked for May, more publishers are starting to confirm dates, including Resident Evil Requiem.
Still, Lowrie believes that no matter what else launches that year, GTA 6 will dominate headlines and player attention.
The indie hit Hollow Knight: Silksong recently overwhelmed digital storefronts like Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch eShop when it dropped in early May. Despite its huge success, Lowrie predicts that GTA 6 will eclipse even that, calling it a once-in-a-generation event.
Whether “AAAAA” becomes an industry-wide term remains to be seen, but there’s no denying the expectations surrounding Rockstar’s latest entry. With over a decade since GTA V, the anticipation has reached levels rarely seen in gaming.
If GTA 6 delivers on its promise, it won’t just be another hit—it could redefine what it means to be a blockbuster in the modern era.
