GTA 6 to become world’s first game with 'AAAA' label: Here's what it means and how it is different from 'AAA'

GTA VI

The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has sparked fresh discussion about how blockbuster video games are classified. Traditionally, the industry has relied on the "AAA" label to describe titles with the largest budgets, advanced technology, and broad marketing campaigns. However, Devolver Digital co-founder Nigel Lowrie has suggested that Rockstar Games’ next entry in the GTA franchise goes beyond that definition, deserving what he calls the first real "AAAAA" game label.

What AAA means in gaming

For years, the term "AAA" has been shorthand for high-budget, high-profile games developed and published by major companies such as Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft, EA, and Take-Two Interactive. These projects typically involve hundreds of developers, long production cycles, and massive promotional campaigns. Ubisoft even experimented with the term "AAAA" in 2024 to describe its live-service title Skull and Bones, though that effort was met with criticism after its underwhelming launch.

Why GTA 6 is being called 'AAAA'

According to Lowrie, GTA 6 is on a different scale compared to other blockbusters. He highlighted that the franchise carries unmatched cultural weight and market influence. "There are AAA games and then there's AAAA games, and I'd argue that Grand Theft Auto is potentially the AAAAA game," Lowrie told IGN. His reasoning rests on the extraordinary anticipation, massive production values, and the expectation that the game will dominate the global entertainment conversation when it launches in May 2026.

How GTA 6 differs from AAA games

Reports suggest GTA 6 may have a development budget close to $1 billion, making it potentially the most expensive video game ever created. Early trailers have showcased expansive environments, hyper-realistic animations, and technical advancements beyond what is typically seen in AAA titles. Analysts project the game could generate more than $10 billion in revenue, with as much as $7.6 billion expected within the first two months of release.

Industry impact of the new label

Lowrie’s remarks reinforce a wider belief that GTA 6 will overshadow other titles releasing around the same time. Smaller publishers have already signaled they will avoid competing with Rockstar’s launch window, with Lowrie himself admitting he would not "risk the livelihood" of a development team by launching a game alongside GTA 6.

The proposed "AAAA" label reflects an attempt to capture GTA 6’s unprecedented scale and cultural significance. While "AAA" has long defined the industry’s biggest releases, Rockstar’s next installment could set a new benchmark, reshaping expectations for what blockbuster gaming means.