'Grand Theft Auto V' Racks Up Record $800M+ in First-Day Sales

Grand Theft Auto V has pulled in more than $800 million worldwide since the highly anticipated video game was released on Tuesday for PS3 and Xbox 360, Take-Two Interactive announced Wednesday.

The impressive figure makes GTA V the best-selling video game in history, pulling in more money in a 24-hour period than last November's Call of Duty: Black Ops II. The tally excludes Japan and Brazil, where the title has yet to be released.

GTA V is also reportedly the most expensive video game ever made, with a combined production and marketing budget of $265 million.

"All of us at Take-Two are thrilled with the initial response to Grand Theft Auto V. Once again, the team at Rockstar Games have outdone themselves, setting the entertainment industry's new standard for creativity, innovation and excellence," Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said in a statement.

"Beginning at midnight on Monday, consumers around the world gathered in anticipation to be among the first to experience the evolution of this remarkable series. In North America alone, more than 8,300 stores opened their doors at midnight to welcome fans whose loyalty and enthusiasm were rewarded. … We are incredibly proud of Rockstar Games' creative achievement and could not be more pleased with the success of this launch," he added.

The critically acclaimed game was developed by series creator Rockstar North and is the first new Grand Theft Auto title since 2008.