GTA 5 Release Date Set: Details Inside

So the new release date for GTA V is here and it’s bad news for fans of stealing cars and killing prostitutes. The launch of Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 5 has been pushed back some five or so months from “Spring 2013” to September 2013.

Dang.

Rockstar have cited in a statement that they need more time to develop the game further. As things stand the game will be available on September 17th 2013 for xBox 360 and Playstation 3.

Screenshot courtesy of Rockstargames.com

The statement, released on Rockstargames.com, read in full:

Dear all,

Today, we have an official release date to share with you: Grand Theft Auto V will arrive in stores on September 17, 2013.

We know this is about four months later than originally planned and we know that this short delay will come as a disappointment to many of you, but, trust us, it will be worth the extra time. GTAV is a massively ambitious and complex game and it simply needs a little more polish to be of the standard we and, more importantly, you require.

To all Grand Theft Auto fans, please accept our apologies for the delay, and our promise that the entire team here is working very hard to make the game all it can be. We are doing all we can to help ensure it will meet if not exceed your expectations come September – we thank you for your support and patience.

Yours,
The GTA Team

Screenshot courtesy Rockstargames.com

The plot of this version of the insanely popular series is set in the fictional Los Santos, a GTA version of Los Angeles. In 2004’s edition of the game, Los Angeles was renamed San Andreas.

The new story is about a retired bank robber, Michael, and his dysfunctional family. Game creator, Dan Houser, has said that the new characters featured in this version are unlike any others. Ultimately you can expect that some how Michael and his family will be dragged back into criminality.

It will also follow the tradition that was set by GTA 4 by not-featuring any A-list celebrities as voices.

The game has already caused controversy despite not even being released yet, with Democratic Senator Joe Manchin telling MSNBC:

Look at Grand Theft Auto, put out by Rockstar Games in New York City and see what it promotes. Shouldn’t that be looked into and maybe be banned?

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