In a remarkable display of enduring popularity, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) has been crowned the most-watched game on Twitch in 2024, amassing an impressive 1.4 billion hours of viewership. This achievement, reported by The Verge, underscores the game’s staying power nearly 12 years after its initial release in 2013. Despite fierce competition from newer titles and the looming anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI), GTA V accounted for approximately 9% of Twitch’s total 15.6 billion hours of gaming content watched in 2024, solidifying its dominance in the livestreaming landscape.
Here's an infographic from Twitch breaking some of the stats down:
The success of GTA V on Twitch can largely be attributed to the vibrant GTA role-playing (RP) community, particularly through platforms like FiveM, which allows players to create and engage in custom role-playing servers. These streams, featuring everything from criminal underworld sagas to law enforcement scenarios, have captivated audiences with their dynamic, ever-evolving narratives.
Unlike traditional gameplay, GTA RP offers a “never-ending” storytelling experience, akin to a serialized TV drama, which keeps viewers hooked. The game’s online component, GTA Online, also continues to draw significant attention with regular updates and new content, further boosting its appeal.
In comparison, League of Legends, the second most-watched game, clocked 1.19 billion hours, followed by VALORANT (804 million hours), Fortnite (539 million hours), and Call of Duty (451 million hours). GTA V’s lead over these titles highlights its unique position in the gaming world, especially considering its age. The game’s ability to remain relevant is further fueled by the hype surrounding GTA VI, which has kept fans engaged with GTA V as they await the next chapter in the franchise.
However, the excitement for GTA VI has been tempered by recent news of a delay. Originally targeting a Fall 2025 release, Rockstar Games announced that GTA VI will now launch on May 26, 2026. This postponement, shared via posts on social media and reported by multiple sources, has sparked disappointment among fans but has done little to dampen the enthusiasm for GTA V’s streaming dominance.
Popular streamer Kai Cenat, named Twitch’s most-watched streamer of 2024, has already announced plans for a GTA VI marathon upon its release, signaling the massive anticipation that continues to build.
The cultural impact of GTA V extends beyond viewership numbers. Its innovative in-game advertising, featuring real-world brands and music debuts on virtual radio stations, has made it a lucrative platform for marketers. Combined with its Twitch success, GTA V remains a financial juggernaut for Rockstar Games. As the gaming community looks ahead to GTA VI, the sustained popularity of GTA V serves as a testament to its unparalleled legacy and the power of community-driven content.
