The game described as a “GTA-style game where you play as a cop” is The Precinct. The “big hit on Steam” claim referred to its demo: on October 18, 2024, the developer announced more than 100,000 Steam demo downloads. That milestone shows interest in the demo, not verified sales of the full game.
What is The Precinct?
The Precinct puts players in the role of rookie police officer Nick Cordell Jr. in fictional Averno City, an imagined 1980s setting. Its police-sandbox premise combines routine patrols with responses to crimes ranging from parking violations to gang shootouts, alongside a story connected to the murder of Cordell’s father. Push Square’s game description also lists foot, squad-car and helicopter patrols, pursuits, and the option to call for backup.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Precinct - Xbox Series X | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Precinct - Standard Edition - PS5 | $43.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Precinct - Standard Edition - Xbox | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Precinct - Limited Edition - Compatible for XSX - UK PAL | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Precinct Game Guide | $18.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What made it a Steam “hit”?
On October 18, 2024, the developer’s account announced: “We’ve got over 100k demo downloads!” The figure refers to downloads of the Steam demo, not copies of the full game sold. The Tech Game reported the milestone and said 97% of demo reviews were positive at the time. That 97% is a historical figure for the demo’s reception in October 2024; it is not a current rating for the full game.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat the numbers do—and do not—show
- Established: more than 100,000 Steam demo downloads, announced by the developer on October 18, 2024.
- Historical reception: The Tech Game reported 97% positive demo reviews in October 2024.
- Not established: the sources cited here do not verify full-game sales or a current Steam review count or rating. The demo figures cannot establish those metrics.
Push Square’s page lists a major update story dated September 29, 2026, but that update entry does not provide current Steam popularity or sales figures. The game page is useful for the game’s premise and listed activities, not as evidence of current Steam metrics.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore a vibrant, living city by foot, squad car and helicopter
- Respond to sandbox crimes ranging from parking violations to gang shootouts
- Engage in intense vehicle chases through destructible environments
- Go solo or call-in backup with an in-depth support system
- Investigate the gangs who rule the city and the dark conspiracies keeping them in control
Is it like GTA?
The comparison is useful as shorthand for a city-based sandbox, but the available description identifies The Precinct specifically as a police game: the player is an officer responding to calls, patrolling, pursuing suspects, and requesting backup. Its fictional 1980s setting and family-murder story give those activities a defined context. The description supports those features, but not a claim that it matches Grand Theft Auto in quality, scale, or sales.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- UK account may be required for any online features
Rank #3
- Explore a vibrant, living city by foot, squad car and helicopter
- Respond to sandbox crimes ranging from parking violations to gang shootouts
- Engage in intense vehicle chases through destructible environments
- Go solo or call-in backup with an in-depth support system
- Investigate the gangs who rule the city and the dark conspiracies keeping them in control
Rank #2
- Explore a vibrant, living city by foot, squad car and helicopter
- Respond to sandbox crimes ranging from parking violations to gang shootouts
- Engage in intense vehicle chases through destructible environments
- Go solo or call-in backup with an in-depth support system
- Investigate the gangs who rule the city and the dark conspiracies keeping them in control
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