Grand Theft Auto VI is almost here. What to know about the characters, music and billions at stake

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Grand Theft Auto has never been much for following the rules.Nearly three decades after a video game built around stealing cars, outrunning police and embracing criminal mayhem first arrived, the franchise has survived controversy, transformed open-world gaming and become one of the biggest sellers in entertainment.Now, after a 13-year wait since its last main installment, Grand Theft Auto VI is preparing for another big score. The latest chapter arrives Nov. 19 with a return to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City with two protagonists.For longtime fans, GTA VI is a highly anticipated return. For everyone else, here’s what to know about the blockbuster video game, its characters and the enormous business riding on its release:Why is Grand Theft Auto such a big deal?The franchise began in 1997 as a relatively simple, top-down game that allowed players to roam fictional cities, steal vehicles, evade police and commit crimes.The release of Grand Theft Auto III in 2001