When it comes to game developers, Rockstar Games stands out with a legacy few can match.
The success of the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series is well-known, but Rockstar’s history includes much more. They’ve also created games like Bully, Midnight Club, Max Payne 3, L.A. Noire, and even a surprising hit: Table Tennis, a critically acclaimed game for the Xbox 360 released in 2006.
As anticipation builds for the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, and speculation runs rampant about its potential sales figures, let’s explore the best-selling Rockstar Games of all time.
While the dominance of the Grand Theft Auto franchise is expected, the other titles on this list may surprise you. We’ve compiled this ranking using the most reliable sales data available.
It’s worth mentioning that sales figures for Midnight Club: Los Angeles are inconsistent, so it’s not included, but deserves an honorable mention. And yes, we all want Rockstar to bring back Midnight Club! Now, let’s get to the list!
9
L.A. Noire
Approximately 7.5 Million Copies Sold
Drawing inspiration from classic film noir, like detective stories, L.A. Noire aimed to immerse players in a world of crime and investigation.
A key element was its groundbreaking facial recognition technology, designed to capture subtle nuances in actors’ performances, helping players determine if a suspect was being truthful. While not perfect, this innovative gameplay mechanic added a fresh dynamic to the experience, even if it reduced replay value.
However, the open-world setting of L.A. Noire wasn’t particularly engaging, making it a game best enjoyed once.
Despite this, the game’s distinctive approach to gameplay and its compelling detective narrative made L.A. Noire a significant risk for Rockstar Games, one that paid off creatively. It’s unlikely they would make a game like this today, which makes it all the more special.
8
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Approximately 8 Million Copies Sold
It’s no surprise that a Grand Theft Auto title is the best-selling game on the PSP. However, it might be surprising that it’s the Liberty City-based spin-off rather than the Vice City one.
One of the strengths of Liberty City Stories is its well-crafted narrative. The story is a notable improvement over GTA 3’s simpler plot.
What’s truly impressive is how seamlessly Liberty City Stories translates the full Grand Theft Auto experience to the PSP. It was a legitimate GTA game, praised by critics and embraced by fans.
While the PSP faced challenges in establishing its identity, Liberty City Stories offered a compelling reason to own the handheld, even though it eventually made its way to the PS2.
7
Grand Theft Auto 3
Approximately 14.5 Million Copies Sold
It’s remarkable that Grand Theft Auto 3 managed to sell 14.5 million copies. This figure is particularly impressive considering it launched in 2001 during the PS2 era!
At the time, these numbers were unheard of, highlighting GTA 3’s revolutionary impact on the industry. It provided an open-world playground, unlocking gameplay possibilities that seemed unimaginable before.
Much of the fun came from simply exploring the city with friends, stealing cars, and causing mayhem. While the story itself wasn’t a primary focus, and the gameplay feels dated today, it’s important to remember the context of video games in 2001.
While there were excellent multiplayer options like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Halo, nothing offered the same level of freedom to explore and interact with a virtual world.
6
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Approximately 17.5 Million Copies Sold
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is a more refined version of GTA 3, so its higher sales figures are justified.
Building on the gameplay of its predecessor, Rockstar addressed the flaws and delivered an even better experience. Swapping Liberty City for a 1980s Miami-inspired Vice City gave the game a distinct style and personality.
And Tommy Vercetti, voiced by Ray Liotta, was perfect casting.
The massive hype surrounding its release undoubtedly contributed to Vice City’s success. After GTA 3 wowed players, Vice City became the most anticipated PS2 game of 2002 and managed to surpass even those expectations. When a game lives up to the hype, it’s sure to sell extremely well.
5
Red Dead Redemption
Approximately 17.5 Million Copies Sold
Following Grand Theft Auto 4, the highly anticipated HD debut for the GTA series…became a spiritual successor to Red Dead Revolver, Rockstar’s underrated western title. However, it was a different Rockstar that created Red Dead Redemption compared to Red Dead Revolver.
Red Dead Redemption was developed entirely in-house at Rockstar, while Red Dead Revolver originated as a Capcom project at Angel Studios in San Diego. Take Two acquired Angel Studios in 2002, renaming it Rockstar San Diego. By 2005, when Red Dead Redemption’s development began, the team not only had input from Rockstar Games leadership but also the expertise gained from crafting open-world games after the success of GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas.
Powered by the RAGE engine, initially introduced in Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis (which was surprisingly fun) and GTA 4, we were given a true open-world western experience worthy of the Rockstar name.
It proved that Rockstar Games was more than just a one-trick pony with the GTA series. They could create engaging open worlds filled with immersive gameplay, excellent stories, and memorable characters. They had already hinted at this versatility with the success of Table Tennis.
4
Grand Theft Auto 4
Approximately 25 Million Copies Sold
On April 28th, 2008, I remember waiting outside my local GameStop on a cold, rainy night. I watched The Warriors while waiting to immerse myself in Grand Theft Auto 4. I was one of many eager gamers back when midnight launches were commonplace.
Like millions of others, I returned home, fired up my Xbox 360, and immediately got a phone call about bowling. At that moment I did not want to go bowling; I wanted to dive into GTA 4. But my cousin kept inviting me to hang out, go bowling, play pool, or something else.
I was happy to experience a Grand Theft Auto game with great controls for the first time. Driving didn’t feel miserable, aiming felt satisfying, and Liberty City was full of life, unlike the boring environment of GTA 3. But Roman kept calling.
I had to ignore his calls and keep playing the first HD Grand Theft Auto game, wondering if it would get any better. (Spoiler alert: it would improve dramatically).