Ever since Grand Theft Auto 3 was released to the world, gamers have been scrambling to jump into Rockstar's virtual reality of violence and corruption. While a handful of modifications have done a superb job of bringing online crime to the masses, there's always been a lacking presence of multiplayer in the official games themselves.
Until now.
With Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar has finally delivered a fully fleshed-out multiplayer experience:

• There are a total of 15 game modes divided into three main categories (Player Match, Ranked and Party Mode), each with unique objectives and gameplay types.
• The maximum number of players is 16 on the X360 and PS3 versions, and 32 on the PC version, although various modes have limitations on the number of players that can join.
• Configuration of each mode can be adjusted by the host. Vehicles types, volume of traffic, number of pedestrians, police presence, weapons, auto-aim and weather can all be controlled.
• Characters are completely customisable. You can essentially create your own unique online character by adjusting their hair, sex, race, clothing etc. Additional options can be unlocked by increasing your rank in Ranked multiplayer matches.
• Games are, in essence, random. Upon choosing a game mode to play, you will either be thrown into an already made game or you will start your own.
• Killing another player will get you $100. A dead player will usually drop approximately $15. Killing yourself will cause you to lose $100.
• Ranked matches, like everything else in multiplayer GTA, requires money to get ahead. The amount needed to gain a rank increases exponentially as you progress.