MS-DOS
One of the original computer versions. Today it requires a suitable environment or DOS emulation and correctly configured sound.
Platforms: Grand Theft Auto
The first Grand Theft Auto has four important platform versions. The PC releases provide the most direct access to the original data and the London packs.
The first GTA launched on 28 November 1997 simultaneously for MS-DOS and Windows — both PC versions together, not months apart. PlayStation followed a few weeks later: 12 December 1997 in Europe, but not until 30 June 1998 in North America, a six-month gap.
The last to arrive was the handheld version for Game Boy Color, released 22 October 1999 in Europe and November 1999 in North America. Like the GBC port of the second game later, it’s a simplified adaptation, not a transfer of the full PC game.
The London 1969 and London 1961 expansions both came out in 1999 and need the matching base game to run — they aren’t standalone titles. The PC versions remain the most reliable route to the original data for playing today.
Original platforms
Windows
The period Windows release serves as a natural source of game data for some modern wrappers and reimplementations.
PlayStation
The console port adapted the controls and technology for the original PlayStation.
Game Boy Color
The later handheld version is considerably simplified and should not be equated with the full PC release.
London expansions
London 1969
Released as a Mission Pack for supported versions of the original GTA and requires the appropriate base game.
London 1961
The additional content requires London 1969. Compatibility depends on the installation and platform.
Playing today
Carnage3D in a browser
The MIT-licensed open-source reimplementation runs through WebAssembly. On this website, it loads from the official project page only after you click.
Your own game data
The complete game requires suitable original data. The former Rockstar Classics download is not available through the current official offering.
Console emulation
The PlayStation and Game Boy Color versions can technically be emulated, but this website may not distribute ROMs or a BIOS.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the main questions about this subject
When did the first GTA come out, and on what first?
On 28 November 1997, simultaneously for MS-DOS and Windows. The PlayStation version followed on 12 December 1997 in Europe, but not until 30 June 1998 in North America.
Is the Game Boy Color version the same game as on PC?
No. Released 22 October 1999 (Europe) and November 1999 (North America), it’s a noticeably simplified handheld adaptation, not a transfer of the full computer game.
Do I need the original GTA for London 1969 and 1961?
Yes, both expansions require the matching base game and can’t run on their own. London 1961 additionally requires London 1969 to be installed.
Can I play the first GTA for free in a browser?
Yes, via Carnage3D — an open-source reimplementation of the engine under the MIT license that runs on WebAssembly. On this site it only loads after a click and uses the build from the project’s official page.
Why did the PlayStation version come out so late in America?
There’s a six-month gap between the European and North American release of the PlayStation port (December 1997 vs. June 1998) — standard practice for late-1990s console releases, not a mistake or a reworking of the game.