GTA V makes $800 million on day one

Grand Theft Auto V sales have topped $800 million on the first day, smashing the record for the most money generated by a game in 24 hours.

That record was previously held by Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops II, which raked in $500m on day one of release.

Rockstar’s own blockbuster title has smashed that milestone however by some $300 million.

GfK Chart Track data for the UK launch also presents hugely impressive figures, with GTA V making more than £65 million from 1.57m units sold.

This makes it the fastest selling game ever in the UK.

Analysts had recently predicted GTA V would generate $1 billion in its first month, and figures after its first day on sale show it is well on course to reaching and surpassing that milestone.

“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 Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick.

“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.”