Timeline

The Timeline of the Grand Theft Auto series is divided into three distinct universes, officially named by Rockstar Games as the "2D Universe", "3D Universe" and the "HD Universe". Each universe is designed to be completely separate to each other so that no physically appearing characters or storylines would overlap.

"Dan says that no one before GTA IV will be in it – the move to HD created a schism in this fictional universe, rendering CJ, Toni and co, as mythical characters from a bygone era."

- Interview with Dan Houser in The Guardian, about the second reboot of the series.

"The Grand Theft Auto III timeline is not necessarily over - but it is a different world to Grand Theft Auto IV - only the branding and certain radio personalities exist across both worlds. The reason for this was that we felt Grand Theft Auto IV was a high-definition experience and required different kinds of characters. That - and the fact that most people from the previous world are dead."

- Rockstar Newswire - Asked & Answered, September 18, 2009

Timeline can refer to:
 * Timeline (2D Universe) - The timeline of the 2D Universe, where the events of the original Grand Theft Auto, its expansion packs, and Grand Theft Auto 2 take place.
 * Timeline (3D Universe) - The timeline of the 3D Universe, where the events of Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto Advance, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories take place.
 * Timeline (HD Universe) - The timeline of the HD Universe, where the events of Grand Theft Auto IV, its episodes, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Grand Theft Auto V, and Grand Theft Auto Online take place.

Trivia

 * Other Rockstar Games series, including Manhunt and Bully, are also set in the 3D Universe timeline of the Grand Theft Auto series, and its settings are also referenced to exist in the HD Universe timeline.