5 things that make the GTA franchise so popular among gamers

GTA is one of the most popular franchises for gamers and casuals alike.

There are many reasons why Grand Theft Auto is still immensely popular among gamers. Like GTA 5, some titles are still re-released between several consoles to massive success, but some fans are curious as to why that might be the case. The truth is, there isn't just one reason for GTA's popularity.

GTA is a conglomerate of excellent qualities, with fantastic gameplay and memorable storylines and characters. The music is diverse yet amazing, and that's barely scratching the surface of why GTA is still popular among gamers and casuals alike.

Trying to fit in just five reasons might seem inconsiderate, but hopefully, it is general enough for most gamers to relate to.

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Five things that make GTA popular among gamers

#5 - Excellent quality

GTA games far exceed the quality of their contemporaries (Image via IGN)

Great games plus great marketing equals a popular game. GTA offerings have mostly been top-notch in quality, often having more detail put into them than other AAA titles for their time.

Even the most minute details like pedestrian dialogue can have thousands of lines dedicated to it. That's not mentioning stuff players are more likely to hear, like radio stations and their commercials.

Then there's the top-tier gameplay. GTA revolutionized 3D sandboxes, as players can explore the world at their leisure. Some parts might not be immediately available, but the opening acts are still robust and massive compared to other games.

Shooting, driving, and general missions are still satisfying to experience, even after several years have gone by.

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#4 - Memorable characters and storylines

Memorable characters and great dialogues are intrinsic to GTA offerings (Image via Patrick Brown | DeviantArt)

Players won't always be able to play a game, so remembering a title for its story and characters long after finishing the game is an impressive feat that cannot be overlooked.

Like GTA 4, some games are masterful in their more realistic depictions, while others like GTA San Andreas have a wacky yet memorable cast. Even the minor characters have a chance of being remarkable.

One thing that often helps the GTA series is that the dialogue is often written terrifically. When considering how well-written it is, it should be no surprise that the GTA series's characters stand out compared to other 3D sandbox games.

Naturally, the later games have greatly improved this attribute, so it's hard for most games to compete with GTA in this factor.

#3 - It's an established series

Rockstar knows how to drum up interest about its games (Image via GameSpot)

Established series generally have the advantage over newcomers.

First, the company behind the former typically has some money at its disposal. Second, fans are more aware of its existence. Both factors have helped mold the GTA series into one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.

Almost every gamer is aware of GTA. Several controversies and praise have made it very much a part of a gamer's public conscious, so Rockstar Games often doesn't have to do much for players to be hyped for an upcoming game.

That Take-Two Interactive Software spends a lot on marketing only helps make Grand Theft Auto even more popular among gamers.

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#2 - Players are free to do whatever they want

The freedom to do and choose activities at their beck and calling is precious for players (Image via GameSpot)

There is no obligation to do missions right away. If players wish to spend ten minutes looking around doing whatever they please, they are free to do so without the game stopping them.

Likewise, they can spend dozens of hours collecting everything and exploring the world before getting back to the storyline. GTA often rewards exploration, as players can find Collectibles (hidden packages, for example), weapons, and vehicles all over the GTA world.

Considering the general gameplay is so good, gamers often enjoy this level of freedom. They could even do specific missions in whatever order they please, and that's not even scratching the surface of how much freedom they have in GTA.

Some games often have a point of no return, where they might not ever go back to a level (or have to use a level select feature in other games). GTA doesn't have that; the cities of Vice City, San Andreas, and Liberty City don't vanish outright (aside from GTA San Andreas briefly having CJ be in a small part of Liberty City).

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#1 - It allows gamers to live a different life

GTA allows players to live out all their darkest and most sinister fantasies (Image via SCS)

It should go without saying that most people shouldn't be involved in drug trafficking, numerous assassinations, and hundreds of bank heists.

Logistically speaking, most people would fail at any one task listed above, but trying them all is outright impossible. Even if they tried to live lives like that, they would likely die or get incarcerated for a long time.

Fortunately, gamers can play GTA to live out some of their wilder fantasies. There is no issue with being Wasted or Busted, as they always respawn. They can live as dangerously as they want to, have the fanciest homes, weapons, cars, boats, etc., without worrying about potential ramifications.

This is especially true for gamers who play multiple GTA titles, allowing them to experience more variety.

Note: This list is subjective and reflects only the writer's opinions.