The hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has reopened an industry-wide debate—are old labels sufficient for a game of this unprecedented scope? This proposed label aims to capture the game’s reported billion-dollar budget, its unprecedented cultural weight, and its power to reshape the entire entertainment landscape upon its arrival in 2025.
What is the “AAAA” Quote?
The core of this discussion comes from Nigel Lowrie, co-founder of the independent publisher Devolver Digital. In an interview with IGN, Lowrie laid out a tiered vision of the industry’s biggest projects. By saying, “There are AAA games and then there’s AAAA games,” he attempts to define a class of games that exceed the traditional blockbuster mold. The name “AAAA” itself, however, was introduced as a significant admission of a perceived gap in our classification of games.
“AAAA” vs. “AAAAA” distinction
It is important to note the precise wording of the argument. Lowrie first defines “AAAA” as a step above the standard AAA game. He then positions GTA 6 even further beyond, into a potential “AAAAA” category of its own. This means that, in his view, “AAAA” is a tier for ultra-premium blockbusters, while “AAAAA” is a term reserved for a singular, unprecedented phenomenon like GTA 6. For the purpose of this discussion, the key takeaway is the assertion that the old “AAA” label is no longer sufficient to describe the industry’s very largest projects.
What is a Standard “AAA” Game?
To put it in perspective, “AAA” (triple-A) has long defined the industry’s pinnacle: big-budget games built with top-tier tech and backed by massive global campaigns.
These are giants’ tentpole releases, such as:
- Sony (e.g., God of War)
- Microsoft (e.g., Halo)
- Ubisoft (e.g., Assassin’s Creed)
- Electronic Arts (e.g., Battlefield)
- Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar’s parent company)
They typically involve hundreds of developers, multi-year production cycles, and budgets that can soar into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
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What Makes a Game “AAAA”?
Factors that go well beyond the typical AAA scope support the case for a “AAAA” label:
- Unmatched Financial Scale: Estimates indicate GTA 6’s development budget may near $1 billion—positioning it as the most expensive video game ever made by a considerable margin.
- Cultural Phenomenon: The Grand Theft Auto franchise is a worldwide cultural phenomenon rather than just a video game.GTA 6’s announcement video shattered YouTube records, and its release is expected to be a significant entertainment event.
- Projected Market Dominance: Expectations are sky-high, with projections suggesting the game could rake in over $10 billion—leaving most past entertainment milestones in the dust.
Has Anyone Used the “AAAA” Label Before?
Yes, but its reception was mixed. Skull & Bones, Ubisoft’s live-service pirate game, was formally referred to as a “AAAA” game in 2024. Heavy criticism was directed at the game’s drab debut, highlighting the need for recognition in gaming to be based on impact and results rather than marketing gimmicks.
Lowrie argues that GTA 6 may actually justify the classification thanks to its scope and expected triumph.
For gamers, this conversation showcases the scale of Rockstar’s ambition. GTA 6 may offer an experience so comprehensive and detailed that it distinguishes itself from conventional AAA games, according to a new classification. The game is supposed to push limits in every manner possible.
