Rockstar Gamesis truly one of the kings of the AAA gaming space, and their franchises have many fans from across the world waiting with high hopes and plenty of patience for what they bring to the table next. WhileGrand Theft Auto 6seems forever away with an unannounced date in 2025, it might be a good time to look back on whyRockstar Gameshave such highly anticipated releases, and how they rarely disappoint.
Over the years, Rockstar Games have brought to life some truly iconic games that have quickly become their own franchises, spawning sequels and spin-offs and a demanding clamor for more entries. Rockstar Games always cooks a decent meal in the kitchen, so the often decade absence is deserved, buthopefully, a few franchises return soonerrather than later.
Manhunt 2
18 June 2025
A source of much controversy,Manhuntwas violent and grotesque in all the ways Rockstar Games sought to be.Challenging players and disgusting parentsworldwide, theManhuntseries was overly violent for the sake of violence, and its early 2000s depiction of stealth mechanics left much to be desired, but certainly room to grow into the future of gaming.
There have only been 2Manhunttitles, but it’s a franchise that fans refuse to forget for its gory nature and its fun premise that delves deep into the early 2000s edginess.Manhuntis all about murder and violence, which provides a level of shock that could turn the franchise and the world on its head.
Midnight Club: Los Angeles Complete Edition
26 July 2025
If there’s something that Rockstar Games has always excelled at, it’s the love and attention to how vehicles drive in the virtual space. TheMidnight Clubseries champions Rockstar Games’ attention and innovation by bringing forth an arcade racing series that allows players to reach high speeds with sharp turns and exhilarating races, all the way back in 2000 to the more recent releases in 2019.
Midnight Clubmight not obtain the most love from Rockstar Games due to a lack of entries and evolution, butfor those who adore the racing game genre, it’s certainly one to pick up and try out. Racing across urban streets in condensed cities with a myriad of fast cars brings a fan element to burning rubber.
Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake
TBA
While Rockstar Games owns the IP and the publishing, developers at Remedy Entertainment are responsible for one of Rockstar’s biggest namesMax Payne. This series burst onto the scene in 2001 thanks to its innovative third-person shooter mechanics that can easily be used as the blueprints for what modern shooters can do with enough talent and drive behind them.
Max Paynemight be a trilogy and nothing more, but it’s a franchise worth checking out for its evolution in the gaming space, and how the stories and action drive these games forward, with a heavy emphasis on satisfying gunplay inMax Payne 3. While Remedy Entertainment is set to remakeMax Payne 1and2, it’s safe to say that the potential for the franchise is high, and a possible remake ofMax Payne 3, a spin-off, or even aMax Payne 4could eventually happen.
Red Dead Online
26 May 2025
Starting out as a black sheep for Rockstar Games,Red Dead Revolverin 2004 took players back in time to the Old West, where they must encounter an odyssey of revenge. It was a far cry from what was expected with theGrand Theft Autoseries, but given enough time, it matured and evolved into theRed Dead Redemptionseries, where players were taken onemotional and immersive journeysthrough America’s lawless frontiers.
Red Deadholds its own againstGrand Theft Autothanks to its stunning visuals, incredible characters, and acting, as well as its immersive worlds for those who can’t get enough of cowboys and the Western setting.Red Deadis truly a beautiful series that goes far beyondGrand Theft Autobut with horses and revolvers.
Grand Theft Auto 6
Grand Theft Autois the definition of humble beginnings as a franchise. What started as a top-down arcade crime game in 1997, quickly evolved into the 3D space inGrand Theft Auto 3, and never looked back. The concept of stealing cars and committing crimes was interesting enough for a game in the late 90s, so much so that in 2024, people demand yet another sequel without ever tiring of thecrime-riddled mechanics that makeGTAso iconic.
Grand Theft Autois a true money maker, andGrand Theft Auto 5continues to top the charts even a decade after its release. WhileGrand Theft Auto 6is still some time away, it’s clear that this is a franchise that can dominate the market thanks to its stunning graphics, incredible detail, and exciting action in terms of driving fast and shooting anyone.
