Madness at midnight greets game’s release

Stores across the UK opened at midnight for the release of Grand Theft Auto V, which reportedly cost about £170m to make and market – more than films such as Avatar.

One fan, however, lost his copy after being stabbed and robbed on his way home after the release. Police said the motive was not immediately apparent.

The 23-year-old had left an Asda supermarket in north London just an hour and 20 minutes after the notoriously violent video game went on sale. He was hit with a brick, stabbed and stripped of his mobile phone, watch and his copy of GTA V near the store.

The man is now recovering in hospital where he is said to be in a stable condition.

Experts estimate GTA V could earn £1bn during its first year on sale as gamers are predicted to buy 25 million copies – breaking current records.

By yesterday afternoon, Amazon had sold out.

However, the release did not go entirely smoothly. The Scottish creator Rockstar is now investigating whether some copies were sent out too early.