Gardens are winning over guns. The delay of Grand Theft Auto VI may just be the reason why millions of gamers are flocking to a surprisingly peaceful alternative, Grow a Garden, a viral Roblox game. Developed in just a few days by a 16-year-old creator from New Zealand, the game has quickly become the unexpected hit of the summer.
According to Roblox, it recently logged 21.6 million concurrent players, a new all-time record that surpasses Fortnite’s previous high of 15.2 million.
With no combat, no chaos, and no high-stakes objectives, Grow a Garden offers a relaxed escape from the real world. Players begin with a small plot and a starter seed, growing and selling crops to gradually expand their garden.
They can trade, harvest, or simply wander, all while enjoying soothing classical music, such as Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca, in the background.
Viral Roblox Game in August 2025 Breaks Player Records
The surge in popularity happened just weeks after Take-Two Interactive announced that GTA VI would be delayed until next year, a coincidence that has led many to wonder if players are seeking out calmer experiences in the meantime. 
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The simplicity of Grow a Garden, with its pixelated, Minecraft-like visuals, is resonating especially with younger audiences and those looking for low-pressure, social gameplay.
‘Grow a Garden’ Offers Stress-Free Gameplay Kids and Parents Can Enjoy
Editorial director Becky Bozdech of Common Sense Media told the Associated Press that the word most often used to describe the game is “chill.” It evokes the laid-back style of games like Animal Crossing, allowing users to play at their own pace.Even YouTubers with large followings have joined the frenzy. Popular YouTuber Jelly, who has more than 23 million followers, has combined GTA with Grow a Garden. He made a video headlining ‘We Played Grow a Garden… In GTA 5.
One Reddit post suggested the same, it said: ‘People prefer Grow A Garden 2 over GTA VI’
People prefer Grow A Garden 2 over GTA VI
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Roblox Scores Big Win Amid Ongoing Safety Concerns
Beyond its gameplay, the game’s success is also a bright spot for Roblox, which has faced criticism over child safety. New features like chat restrictions and gifting systems for new players have helped Grow a Garden serve as both a community hub and a viral sensation.
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