If you were to pick one video game franchise that’s been at the heart of as much controversy as your standard senatorial sex-scandal, you couldn’t do better than Grand Theft Auto. The much maligned series has been the focus of flack from family groups, heads of government and religious leaders with almost every one of its iterations, and is easily one of the most controversial and divisive titles in the history of gaming. And while the controversy alone is enough to get it into the history books, it belies the fact that GTA (News - Alert) is a testament to how a well-written story and a killer development team can push the artistic boundaries of gaming and sell millions of copies in the process.

Maybe that infamy is why just a little peek of the next title gained so much attention yesterday as GTA developer Rockstar Studios has lifted the lid on a 1 minute, 47 second long trailer that’s sure to leave fans building castles in the sky for the foreseeable future.

While little information can be confirmed from the clip, the palm tree-lined beaches, urban sprawl, and Hollywood-esque “VINEWOOD” signage are pretty clear indicators that the game will take place on the West Coast. There’s also mountain views, slums and suburbs all rendered in the stunning graphical prowess that’s always been a hallmark of the series.

While a more complete biography is lacking, the narrator of the video (and assumedly the protagonist of the game) seems to be in his declining criminal years with plans to retire outside the reach of a sordid history. These plans will no doubt be thrown out the window as soon as said protagonist is offered the opportunity to do a gopher mission for some low-level thug in the game. Would it be as much fun any other way?

The trailer will certainly build buzz for a product that, I’m guessing, will wrap up development in early 2013. It’s also enough to prompt hopes that the aging protagonist is the Ray Liota-voiced Tommy Vercitti of GTA: Vice City. Neither the release date nor any confirmation on links to previous titles are available now, but if GTA’s past releases are any indication the trickle of information is likely to reach deluge levels in no time at all.

Whatever the game has in store for gamers, you can be sure that the Rockstar team will fill it with all the violence, satire and polish that has been the cornerstone of every entry in the series thus far. Whether it’s for pitchforks or praise, the impending release of GTA V is sure to get a rise out of everyone.