Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto is a 1997 action game developed by DMA Design. Viewed from a top-down perspective, it drops players into three sprawling fictional cities where they complete criminal missions for various bosses while stealing cars, evading police and racking up points through mayhem.
The game stood out for its open, non-linear structure, letting players roam freely and cause chaos rather than follow a strictly linear path, with a rising wanted level that summoned increasingly aggressive police response. Its irreverent tone, licensed-style radio stations that changed with each vehicle, and reward-for-crime design courted controversy while striking a chord with players seeking sandbox freedom. Multipliers and score-based objectives gave the anarchic gameplay a clear structure.
It launched one of the most commercially successful franchises in the medium, whose later 3D entries redefined open-world design and pushed the series to global fame. The original can still be found through digital re-releases and remains a fascinating look at the roots of a gaming phenomenon.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Grand Theft Auto, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retro City Rampage DX Indie | € 14,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| GTA: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition | € 29,99 | Not on Steam | PC, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| American Fugitive Indie | € 14,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Grand Theft Auto V | € 29,99 + in-app purchases | Not on Steam | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
Retro City Rampage DX Indie
€ 14,99A pixel-art love letter to the original top-down GTA, right down to the stolen-car chaos.
Retro City Rampage DX runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
GTA: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition
€ 29,99Remasters of the classic 3D-era GTA games, also on mobile.
GTA: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition runs on PC, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux.
American Fugitive Indie
€ 14,99An indie top-down open-world crime game echoing the original GTA.
American Fugitive runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition
€ 19,99An open-world crime story set in Hong Kong, with the driving and mayhem GTA fans come for.
Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch.
Grand Theft Auto V
€ 29,99 + in-app purchasesThe enormous modern open-world game with the ever-popular GTA Online.
Grand Theft Auto V runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch.
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