Rockstar has confirmed the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is in active development.

It's news you can file under 'downright inevitable' given Grand Theft Auto V has become a money-printing machine for Rockstar and parent company Take-Two since launching almost a decade ago.

The fifth entry in the popular franchise has redefined the notion of longevity thanks to the runaway success of its multiplayer component GTA Online -- which continues to drive revenue at Take-Two -- and has sold over 150 million copies across multiple console generations.

Predictably, Rockstar wasn't ready to discuss specifics, but said the next entry in the franchise will "move beyond" its predecessors.

"With every new project we embark on, our goal is always to significantly move beyond what we have previously delivered -- and we are pleased to confirm that active development for the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is well underway," wrote the company.