The game is on … Welcome back to Bugzy Malone’s Grandest Game

Available for over a year

It’s one of the most controversial and critically acclaimed video game series of all time: Grand Theft Auto. The games feature stealing, shooting, joyriding and criminality – but also immersive, mind-blowing creativity. Now that GTA VI is finally due for release in 2026, following official trailers, gameplay leaks and a huge Netflix preview, it’s time to revisit the story of how the controversial game series has faced moral panic, politicians and naysayers – to reach the new era it now faces. First released in 2022 when rumours of GTA VI's existence were confirmed by the game's developer Rockstar, Bugzy Malone's Grandest Game tracks the history of the Grand Theft Auto series. Featuring the people who were in the eye of some of the game’s real-world storms and controversies, and the fans who’ve savoured its every detail over the last three decades. One of those fans was rapper Bugzy Malone – who could see a mirror to his own experiences in the game’s depiction of gang life. Another is BBC 5 Live’s Chris Warburton: an ordinary fan with a journalistic itch to get deep behind the game’s real-world headlines. Between them, they go on the rollercoaster ride that charts Grand Theft Auto's journey to its sixth, eagerly anticipated title.