'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