So far, there are two titles from the Grand Theft Auto franchise that are parts of the HD Universe: GTA IV and GTA V. Both games were released just five years apart, yet GTA V is, by far, far more successful when it comes to sales. GTA V has sold over 150 million copies. On the other hand, at the time of writing, GTA IV has only managed to sell 25 million copies.

So, what leads to such a staggering gap between the sales record of these games? Is GTA IV really that bad? Of course not. Lots of fans would argue that GTA IV features one of the best storylines, coupled with the best physics and mechanics of its time. So, what’s the reason for its low sales record? Without further ado, let’s get into it.

The Differences in Their Storylines & the World Design

GTA IV follows Niko Bellic, an immigrant who pursues “the American dream”. Yet, as it turns out, it’s a dream that’s incredibly difficult to pursue. He has to go through various hardships during his time in the US.

Niko Bellic is believed to suffer from some kind of PTSD. Dan Houser, one of the writers for GTA IV, described that the team wanted Niko Bellic’s demeanor “to reflect the weight of past”. Therefore, Niko tends to reflect his depression to other characters.

Liberty City as the setting for GTA IV feels incredibly gloomy and overcrowded. Which fits really well with the dark storyline GTA IV features. GTA IV isn’t the most cheerful game as it emphasizes the story of a man with a dark past. In other words, GTA IV is an honest reflection of life.

On the other hand, GTA V is a reflection of a dream of getting rich in a glamourous city. The world of GTA V looks more vibrant, colorful, features more open spaces, and is far more varied. San Andreas features various terrains. Forest, mountains, desert, beaches, etc.

If you put yourself as a tourist, chances are, you’d prefer to go on a vacation in places like San Andreas, not overcrowded, gloomy places like Liberty City.

But, it doesn’t necessarily mean that GTA IV is a terrible game. GTA IV is simply not as vibrant as GTA V. Niko Bellic’s journey is a unique story that’s incomparable to Michael, Trevor, and Franklin’s.

GTA IV is Different from Its Predecessor

Due to the success and popularity of GTA San Andreas (2004), GTA IV was expected to carry on its legacy. Many people expected GTA IV to be an advanced version of GTA San Andreas. However, Rockstar ultimately decided not to fulfill the demands from fans.

There are several features in GTA San Andreas that you can’t find in GTA IV. Car modifications and haircuts, to name a few. These features eventually came back in GTA V, and fans finally got what they’ve been asking for.

GTA as an Alternative World & The Monetization of GTA Online

As I’ve mentioned above, GTA V is a realization of a dream in the form of a video game. Most people want to have a lot of money. And, GTA V has some features for the same idea, which never have been added in the previous GTA titles. For example, is the stock market and property management.

After purchasing the properties, all of the three main characters in GTA V will generate passive income. Having a passive income is the dream for many millennials, and GTA V has successfully monetized this aspect. Because in the end, the business elements from the Story mode of GTA V got carried over to GTA Online. There are lots of businesses that players can run such as the MC Business, Gunrunning Bunker, Import/Export, etc.

It is a smooth transition from the Story mode to Online mode given that most players who have completed the main storyline in GTA V would like to carry over their “financial success” to a much more complex stage.

To be able to play GTA Online, players also have to purchase the base game too. This obviously plays a huge role in GTA V’s sales record. GTA IV doesn’t have a multiplayer feature that equals GTA Online’s. So, it’s a bit understandable that lots of players chose to play a pirated version of GTA IV as they don’t have a reason to buy the original version.

GTA Online isn’t the only determining factor. Fan-made multiplayer game modes, such as Roleplay, LSPDFR, etc, also play a crucial role. Lots of players purchased GTA V just to do some Roleplay with their friends. Rockstar also must have benefited greatly as these modes made GTA V even more popular for a longer time.

Well, do you think there are other aspects that make GTA V far more successful than GTA IV? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out this article on GTA San Andreas cheats and GTA 5 cheats. Use them in your GTA game now!