Rockstar Games has unveiled an exciting addition to the GTA+ membership program, bringing the mobile version of Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition into the fold as of July 18, 2025. Originally released in 2001, this classic title, set in the gritty, fictional Liberty City, has been enhanced with updated graphics, refined mechanics, and a nostalgic journey back to the early 2000s criminal underworld, now accessible to GTA+ subscribers. This move celebrates the game’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in revolutionizing the gaming industry, offering both longtime players and a new generation the chance to dive into its action-packed streets with ease.
Rockstar Games has long been known for pushing boundaries, and the inclusion of Grand Theft Auto III in GTA+ underscores its importance to the franchise’s evolution. The game introduced a fully realized 3D environment and a sprawling narrative of betrayal and survival, laying the foundation for the series’ success. This July, the studio is honoring its history by integrating this enhanced version into GTA+, ensuring that subscribers can enjoy the remastered experience alongside other benefits, further cementing the program’s value.
However, the celebration took an unexpected turn earlier this month when a pricing glitch stirred attention. On July 15, 2025, reports emerged that Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition was listed as completely free on iOS, a stark contrast to its usual $19.99 price tag. This error was unintentional and likely due to a temporary misconfiguration in the App Store.
The glitch allowed players to download the game at no cost for a brief period, raising questions about whether the studio would issue refunds or revoke access once corrected. By midday on July 15, the price was swiftly adjusted back to $19.99, with Rockstar Games monitoring the situation to address any potential issues arising from the anomaly. This incident highlighted the challenges of maintaining pricing integrity in digital marketplaces while showcasing the game’s widespread appeal.
Looking ahead, the addition of Grand Theft Auto III to GTA+ builds on the program’s rich history. Launched by Rockstar Games as a membership program exclusively for Grand Theft Auto Online on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, GTA+ was designed to offer players a range of benefits, including access to select titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, special in-game perks, and exclusive content updates. Since its inception, the program has grown, providing subscribers with high-performance vehicle upgrades, the Career Builder feature, and a variety of gameplay enhancements. Initially rolled out to complement the ever-expanding world of GTA Online, GTA+ reflects Rockstar’s commitment to delivering value and keeping the community engaged, with the inclusion of Grand Theft Auto III marking a new chapter in its evolution—especially as anticipation builds for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI.
As Rockstar Games continues to honor its past while looking to the future, this July milestone sets the stage for even greater achievements. According to a recent report, Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to redefine the video game industry, with projections estimating a staggering $7.6 billion in revenue within its first 60 days of release. Set to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, the game promises cutting-edge AI, refined police mechanics, and a living open world, building on the legacy of titles like Grand Theft Auto III. This ambitious project, backed by a reported $2 billion investment from Take-Two Interactive, is expected to break even within 30 days and shatter records for copies sold and player engagement, cementing Rockstar’s dominance in the gaming landscape.
The addition of Grand Theft Auto VI to the franchise’s future roadmap underscores Rockstar’s ongoing innovation, with the GTA+ program serving as a bridge between its storied past and bold future. The forecast highlights the game’s potential to surpass the 200 million units sold by Grand Theft Auto V since 2013, driven by its dual protagonists, Lucia and Jason, and a gripping narrative set in the sun-soaked state of Leonida. As the studio celebrates the inclusion of The Definitive Edition of Grand Theft Auto III in GTA+ today, fans can look forward to a transformative experience that promises to elevate the series to new heights, reinforcing Rockstar’s legacy as a pioneer in interactive entertainment.
