Since GTA III, the primary use of money is the purchase of items and services, such as health, armor, clothing, properties (like safehouses and business) and weapons. The formula was dramatically modified after Grand Theft Auto III, when money was only important for specific missions, as the completion of missions unlocked new areas instead the former was removed entirely after Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In early GTA games, money is emphasized as the key to unlocking new areas in the game, but it may also be used in various other activities. 3.6 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.
