'Grand Theft Auto 5' first artwork unveiled, details coming soon

Rockstar Games has revealed the first official piece of Grand Theft Auto 5 artwork today. The concept art shows two figures wearing jumpsuits and gas masks getting out of the back of a van, and - as it is Grand Theft Auto - both figures are of course also carrying assault rifles.

Rockstar did not provide any context for the artwork, which may be depicting a mission from the upcoming game. The studio also teased that there will be "lots of info coming next month" about Grand Theft Auto 5. Announced last year, Grand Theft Auto 5 is thought to follow the exploits of lead character Albert De Silva, played by Ned Luke. It was originally rumoured to have a release scheduled for this year, though more recent retailer listings have suggested it could arrive in March 2013. Up until now Rockstar Games has remained tight-lipped, not confirming a release date or platforms for Grand Theft Auto 5. Presumably that will change next month when the studio reveals new details.
Watch the Grand Theft Auto 5 debut trailer below:

GTA 5 for summer 2012 launch?

Grand Theft Auto V could be released next summer, according to analysts.

The game's recent announcement will ensure a long enough time for marketing into next year, according to Industry Gamers.

"We believe Rockstar Games is modelling a four-to-six-month marketing window for their upcoming GTA V release, suggesting a summer '12 launch period," said National Alliance Capital Markets analyst Mike Hickey.

Wedbush Securities' Michael Pachter agreed, saying that Rockstar Games would want to "steal everyone's attention" with a June release before next year's E3 expo.

EEDAR's Jesse Divnich added that the trailer and announcement this month was to detract from the current busy release season.

"Enjoy your triple-A packed holiday, but remember who's your daddy," he said. "Rockstar North is one of the most talented developers in our industry. When they speak, everyone listens... Rockstar does what they want and when they want to."

Grand Theft Auto V's first trailer debuted yesterday, confirming it will be set in Los Angeles and will feature planes, mountainous environments and poverty as an ongoing theme.

No release date or platforms have yet to be announced.

'Grand Theft Auto V' announced by Rockstar

Rockstar Games has today confirmed that it is working on a fifth outing of its multi-million-selling Grand Theft Auto series.

A teaser page has been posted on the Rockstar website, saying that a trailer for Grand Theft Auto V will be released on November 2.

Few details are known about the game, although the graphics around 'V' appear similar to the California-set Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, fitting with previous speculation about the game's location.

Rumours of a Grand Theft Auto V reveal intensified earlier in the year after a Hollywood talent agency advertised for a number of roles working on a title codenamed Rush.

It is expected that the fifth Grand Theft Auto will be set in modern-day Los Angeles, and feature returning characters from GTA: San Andreas and GTA IV.

Most analysts expect that Grand Theft Auto V will be released in 2012, although Rockstar is likely to launch later in the year so as not to clash with March's big Max Payne 3 release.

Last week, Rockstar released a trailer for the forthcoming Grand Theft Auto III: 10th Anniversary Edition, recapping the acclaimed 2001 game set in a version of New York called Liberty City.

Watch the trailer for Grand Theft Auto III: 10th Anniversary Edition below: