Saying that a lot of gamers have anticipated the release of Rockstar’s sequel to the open-world crime franchise Grand Theft Auto V is an understatement. As results from the first day of sales rolled in, Take Two Interactive has announced that GTA V has reached more than $800 million in worldwide sales.

This is a huge achievement considering GTA V is a single-player only game, in stark contrast to the trend that several game companies have been pushing their formerly single-player only franchises :D. Maybe there is hope for the industry after all.

[spoiler title=”RockStar Press Release”]Grand Theft Auto V® Retail Sales Exceed $800 Million Worldwide During First Day of Launch

First 24 hour sales highest in history of Take-Two Interactive Software and Grand Theft Auto Series

New York, NY – September 18, 2013 – Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) today announced that Grand Theft Auto V delivered the highest first day retail sales of any title in the history of the Company and the Grand Theft Auto series. Launched on September 17 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the title has already received widespread critical acclaim and achieved first day sell-through of more than $800 million worldwide, excluding the upcoming launch in Japan and Brazil, according to Company estimates.

“All of us at Take-Two are thrilled with the initial response to Grand Theft Auto V. Once again, the team at Rockstar Games have outdone themselves, setting the entertainment industry’s new standard for creativity, innovation and excellence,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two. “Beginning at midnight on Monday, consumers around the world gathered in anticipation to be among the first to experience the evolution of this remarkable series. In North America alone, more than 8,300 stores opened their doors at midnight to welcome fans whose loyalty and enthusiasm were rewarded with what The New York Times called ‘the most immersive spectacle in interactive entertainment’. We are incredibly proud of Rockstar Games’ creative achievement and could not be more pleased with the success of this launch.”

Following are samples of early reviews:

“No other world in video games comes close to this in size or scope, and there is sharp intelligence behind its sense of humor and gift for mayhem. It tells a compelling, unpredictable, and provocative story without ever letting it get in the way of your own self-directed adventures through San Andreas. It is one of the very best video games ever made.” – IGN, 10/10

“It’s a remarkable achievement, a peerless marriage of world design, storytelling and mechanics that pushes these ageing consoles to the limit and makes it all look easy. As we stand on the brink of a new generation, GTA V sends an intimidating message to the rest of the industry. Beat that.” – Edge, 10/10

“You’ve never seen a game world as thoroughly realized…as irresistible to play as it is to admire.” – Time, 5/5

“GTA V is the culmination of everything we love about the series: It’s big, it’s pretty, and most importantly it’s just nonstop fun.” – Guardian UK, 100%

“One of the pinnacle achievements this generation of games has offered.” – CNET

Developed by series creator Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto V is currently available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The title is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB.

Grand Theft Auto V also includes access to Grand Theft Auto Online, the revolutionary new open world online game launching October 1, 2013 that comes free with every copy of Grand Theft Auto V.

For more information about Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, please visitwww.rockstargames.com/V.[/spoiler]