The world of video games is always in constant evolution, and developers are looking for ways to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. In this context, Nigel Lowrie, co-founder of Devolver Digital, has awarded Grand Theft Auto 6 the rating of AAAAA, a designation that suggests a new standard of greatness for high-budget titles. This statement was made during an interview with IGN on September 4, 2025, in which Lowrie shared his thoughts on the magnitude and cultural impact expected from the upcoming release by Rockstar.
The Meaning of AAAAA in the World of Video Games
The use of the AAAAA rating for Grand Theft Auto 6 may seem questionable, especially considering the history of some titles that have been preceded by similar labels. In the video game industry, the terms AA, AAA, and AAAA have been used to categorize projects based on their level of investment and quality. However, with the rise of independent games and low-budget releases, these labels have lost some of their significance.
For years, the AAA designation has been associated with quality, where a studio's name became a powerful marketing tool. Nevertheless, in 2024, a series of disappointing releases from major publishers began to erode this perception. Players started to understand that the number of A's often reflected the amount of financial resources dedicated to a game, rather than its inherent quality.
Devolver Digital's Vision for GTA 6
In this context, Lowrie's decision to classify GTA 6 as an AAAAA game makes sense when considering the scale and magnitude of the project. According to his statement, GTA 6 is shaping up to be a title that will not only surpass its predecessors in terms of development but will also have a significant cultural impact. Adam Lieb, CEO of the marketing platform Gamesight, supports this view, indicating that the new GTA release has been mentioned in nearly every conversation about release windows he has had in recent years.
Additionally, it has been reported that several video game publishers are reconsidering their release schedules, delaying their titles to avoid competition with the highly anticipated release from Rockstar. The production and marketing budget for GTA 6 is estimated to approach $2 billion, underscoring the magnitude of the game and its potential to create an unprecedented gaming experience.
The Precedent of the AAAAA Label
However, recent history suggests that assigning more than three A's to a game may not bode well. The list of titles that have previously received the AAAA designation includes:
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Beyond Good and Evil 2: This game has set records with its long development period, surpassing Duke Nukem Forever. Given the recent death of its creative director, Emile Morel, its release is expected to be delayed even further.
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Perfect Dark: This reboot has faced several setbacks, including cancellations due to staff cuts at Xbox and other challenges in securing new publishing deals.
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Skull and Bones: Although this title was released, it failed to capture the community's attention and quickly faded into obscurity.
With this background, it’s understandable that some may have doubts about the validity of the AAAAA rating. Still, gaming enthusiasts hope that Grand Theft Auto 6 will have the strength to break this negative cycle and prove that the AAAAA label can genuinely represent excellence.
The Anticipation for GTA 6's Release
As the release date approaches, the gaming community is on edge. The anticipation is based not only on the production numbers but also on the innovation that Rockstar can bring to the industry's most iconic franchise. The pressure to deliver a product that meets expectations is higher than ever, and the eyes of the entertainment world are on what will be a memorable experience for players.
The AAAAA rating is a bold statement that could reshape the way high-budget releases are perceived in the future. If GTA 6 manages to meet these high expectations, it could change the course of the industry, redefining what players consider an exceptional game.
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