Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is a 2002 open-world action game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Set in 1986, it follows Tommy Vercetti as he builds a criminal empire across Vice City.13

It is the second game in Grand Theft Auto's 3D Universe, following Grand Theft Auto III, and the fourth main entry in the Grand Theft Auto series.

Story

After serving 15 years in prison, Tommy is sent from Liberty City to oversee a drug deal for the Forelli crime family. The deal is ambushed, leaving Tommy responsible for recovering the lost money and drugs.

His search draws him into Vice City's criminal network. Tommy takes work from local power brokers, acquires businesses and properties, and eventually confronts the people responsible for the failed deal.

Gameplay

Vice City builds on Grand Theft Auto III's mission-based open world with motorcycles, helicopters, purchasable properties and businesses that can generate income after their mission chains are completed. Its map spans beaches, commercial districts, residential islands, downtown streets, industrial areas and the mainland.

The soundtrack is divided among radio stations built around 1980s pop, rock, new wave, hip-hop, metal and talk programming. Weapons, vehicles, stunt jumps, rampages and hidden packages provide additional activities outside the story.

Cheats and free-roam play

The game's cheat codes can change traffic, vehicle handling, weather, player weapons and pedestrian behavior. They are optional tools for free-roam experimentation rather than part of normal story progression.

Vice City and GTA VI

This game belongs to the 3D Universe, where Vice City is presented as a Florida city inspired by Miami. Grand Theft Auto VI returns to a new HD Universe version of Vice City within Leonida.6

The two versions share the same broad South Florida inspiration but differ in geography, institutions and continuity. The confirmed GTA VI locations guide tracks the newer setting, including the Vice Sign outside Vice City International Airport.

Releases

Vice City launched for PlayStation 2 in North America on October 29, 2002, followed by Europe on November 8. Rockstar's current game record also lists versions for Xbox, PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Kindle and PlayStation 4.21

The 10th Anniversary Edition arrived for iOS and Android on December 6, 2012, with updated character models and lighting, revised aiming and customizable touch controls.4 The PlayStation 2 version was later released for PlayStation 3 through the PS2 Classics range in January 2013.5

The remaster included in Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition is a separate modern adaptation of the game.

References

  1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Rockstar Games, accessed August 10, 2026.

  2. Rockstar Games Ships Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for PlayStation 2, Take-Two Interactive, published October 29, 2002.

  3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City PlayStation 2 Manual, Rockstar Games.

  4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 10th Anniversary Edition Coming to iOS and Android Devices on December 6th, Rockstar Games, published November 21, 2012.

  5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Coming to PSN Next Week, Rockstar Games, published January 24, 2013.

  6. Grand Theft Auto VI, Rockstar Games, accessed August 10, 2026.