Why GTA 6 Hype Can't Match GTA 5, 2013 Nostalgia is Real

No matter how much we’re hyped for the release of GTA 6, it can’t match the nostalgia of GTA 5’s launch in 2013.

Without question, the biggest video game release this year will be Rockstar Games’ next entry in its Grand Theft Auto series, namely, the long-awaited GTA VI. That’s assuming GTA VI doesn't suffer another delay.

Assuming GTA VI will still launch on its intended release date this coming November, it will no doubt smash all sorts of records, whether it's unit sales, revenue or concurrent player numbers. GTA VI is going to be huge, and that’s putting it mildly.

When its predecessor, GTA V, launched in 2013, the hype for that game was unreal, but with the video game industry never being as popular as it is today, GTA VI might blow it out of the water in a multitude of ways. However, there’s something that GTA VI will not be able to claim from GTA V, and that’s the nostalgia.

Perhaps the most nostalgic aspect that modern gaming will never have is the midnight launch. While digital media was well and truly present in 2013, physical media was king.

As convenient as digital games are with the near-instantaneous delivery, it’s a shame that owning a physical copy of a game is slowly dying away. Having that physical game in your hands means that you own it. Unlike a digital game, which can be taken away by a publisher at any moment.

GTA V in retail stores, Saeed Khan (via Getting Images

Midnight Launches Were The Best!

Plus, there was something special about queuing up for a midnight launch, socialising with like-minded folk, being excited to pick up the big release and rushing home as quickly as possible to boot the disc in our console of choice. Good times.

“Did you guys ever stop to think that this year, many young people will experience what we did in 2013?” asked Redditor Virtual-Can-9948.

“I mean, sometimes we don’t really stop to think about how much time has actually passed since 2013. Thirteen years have gone by. That’s literally a lifetime, the entire life of a teenager, you know?” they continued.

“I was 14 in 2013 when GTA V came out, and it was an experience. Seeing all the hype, buying the game at the store, standing in long lines of people, and watching the media talk about it, it was a massive movement. It was unreal.”

Fellow members of the Reddit thread were keen to chime in on the nostalgia vibes.

“Gaming is bigger than ever, there will be more hype 100%,” replied No_Friendship_4158 with Creepy-Emu8779 adding “Not in real life, though, 83% of PlayStation gamers buy games digitally.”

“The hype for GTA: San Andreas was ridiculous, and social media didn't even exist yet. GTA Forums was the place to be,” said Darthgeek.

“I’m gonna experience it, but the difference is I won’t deal with lines because my PS5 is digital,” declared GoatKenobi_66, with Phantereal replying “I have a Xbox Series X and if my Best Buy does a midnight release for GTA VI, I'm doing it. I did it last year for the Switch 2,” keeping the dream alive.

As long as Grand Theft Auto VI doesn't get delayed, it will be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on 19 November 2026. The PC launch is yet to be announced.