Grand Theft Auto V requires 8GB mandatory install

Rockstar Games’ upcoming blockbuster GTA V will ship on two discs for Xbox 360, and will take up a hefty 8GB on your hard drive.

The details were revealed via a Q&A on Rockstar’s official website, in which the publisher confirmed the mandatory install applies to both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions.

The website reads: "Grand Theft Auto V is the largest and most ambitious game we have yet created, and takes full advantage of every ounce of processing power available in the current generation of consoles. In order to provide the best possible experience for such a massive and detailed world, the game will have installation requirements on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems."

The PS3 version will come on one Blu-ray disc that installs content when they first insert the disc and allows players to begin the game immediately afterwards.

The Xbox 360 SKU will use one disc for a one-time install, while the second disc will be used to play the game. Users will not be required to switch discs after the content has been installed.

The news means that anyone with a 4GB Xbox 360 will need to upgrade their console, or purchase an external hard drive or USB flash drive.

On reflection, this latest revelation is no surprise. Rockstar’s previous open-world game, LA Noire, required three discs and the publisher has already said the world of Grand Theft Auto will be much larger.

Grand Theft Auto V will be released on Xbox 360 and PS3 on September 17th.