The gaming industry's classification system may be on the verge of a significant evolution, according to Devolver Digital co-founder Nigel Lowrie, who recently suggested that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 deserves recognition beyond the conventional "AAA" designation. In a bold statement that challenges established terminology, Lowrie proposed that Rockstar Games' upcoming title warrants a "AAAAA" label, reflecting its extraordinary scope and cultural significance that appears to transcend anything previously seen in the industry.

For decades, the "AAA" classification has served as the gold standard for identifying blockbuster games with massive development budgets and extensive marketing campaigns. Typically associated with major publishers like Sony, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft, this designation has represented the pinnacle of commercial game development. However, recent attempts to expand this terminology have met with mixed success, most notably when Ubisoft attempted to market Skull and Bones as a "AAAA" title to justify its $70 price point—a move that ultimately drew criticism following the game's disappointing commercial performance.

During a recent interview with IGN, Nigel Lowrie of Devolver Digital made the case for considering GTA 6 as gaming's first legitimate "AAAAA" title. The industry veteran argued that no other franchise in gaming history matches the sheer magnitude, scope, and cultural weight of the Grand Theft Auto series. "We have AAA games, and then we have attempts at AAAA games," Lowrie stated. "But I would contend that Grand Theft Auto represents something entirely different—what could legitimately be called the first AAAAA game."

Lowrie's assessment comes amid unprecedented anticipation for GTA 6's scheduled May 2026 release. Industry analysts and enthusiasts alike recognize the game as a potential watershed moment for interactive entertainment, with expectations reaching what many describe as "stratospheric" levels. The Devolver Digital co-founder emphasized that GTA 6 appears to exist in a category of its own, demanding attention and resources beyond what conventional AAA development entails.

The visual evidence presented in GTA 6's trailers supports Lowrie's classification argument, showcasing technical achievements that appear to significantly surpass typical AAA production values. The demonstrated visuals feature breathtaking environmental detail, remarkably realistic character animations, and sprawling landscapes that suggest a level of polish and density uncommon even among top-tier releases.

Financial metrics further substantiate the "AAAAA" proposition. Industry rumors suggest GTA 6 has accumulated a development budget approaching $1 billion over its eight-year development cycle, which would establish it as the most expensive game ever produced. Despite this record-breaking investment, analyst projections indicate the title could generate over $10 billion in revenue, with estimates suggesting approximately $7.6 billion may be realized within the first two months of availability alone.

Lowrie's commentary reflects a growing industry consensus that GTA 6 will emerge as a cultural phenomenon capable of overshadowing all competing releases around its launch window. This perception has prompted numerous development studios to strategically adjust their release schedules to avoid direct competition with Rockstar's juggernaut. Interestingly, Devolver Digital itself previously joked about launching a title alongside GTA 6 on May 26, 2026, but Lowrie has since acknowledged the impracticality of such a move, stating he wouldn't "risk the livelihood of a development team" or "the future of a game they've worked on for five years" by challenging GTA 6's release dominance.