The Evolution of GTA Cover Art
Grand Theft Auto has been a cornerstone of the gaming world since its debut in 1997. The series is known for letting players commit the titular crime—often through carjacking or stealing parked vehicles. However, when the cover art for Grand Theft Auto VI was revealed, it sparked a realization: only one game in the series actually features a grand theft auto on its cover.
A Rare Sight: GTA 2's Unique Cover Art
Looking back, Grand Theft Auto 2 stands out as the only title in the series that visually represents the crime its name implies. The cover shows a carjacking in progress, with a character rushing into a taxi while others scatter in the background. This imagery not only gives a sense of the game's chaotic energy but also provides a bird's-eye view of the action—mirroring the gameplay style of the original GTA and GTA 2.
Modern GTA Covers: A Shift in Focus
In contrast, the Grand Theft Auto games released in the decades following GTA 2 have taken a different approach in their cover art. These covers often showcase a collage of characters, activities, and vehicles that players can expect to encounter in the game. For example, the GTA VI cover features a speedboat, a motorcycle, a helicopter, a supercar, a crocodile, and various characters—but no grand theft auto in sight.
Other notable examples include GTA: San Andreas, which showcases a drive-by shooting, and Grand Theft Auto IV, which features a cop car pulling over a driver. While these images are visually striking, they don't directly depict the titular crime that defines the series.
The Future of GTA Covers
With the long development cycle of GTA 6, it's reasonable to expect that GTA 7 might be a decade or more away. When that time finally comes, it would be a welcome return to form for Rockstar to feature a grand theft auto on the cover. Perhaps even seven of them—tying the theme back to the series' name in a clever and fitting way.
