The phrase identifies a genre of mobile entertainment software readily available for devices operating on a specific mobile operating system. These applications offer open-world, action-adventure gameplay experiences mirroring core mechanics found in a notable franchise. A user might search for these applications seeking immersive, crime-themed narratives, vehicular exploration, and mission-based challenges accessible directly on their handheld device.
The prevalence of such titles stems from several factors. The accessibility of mobile gaming platforms, coupled with advancements in mobile processing power, permits increasingly sophisticated and graphically rich experiences. Furthermore, the success of the original series cultivated a significant audience familiar with and eager to replicate that gameplay style on portable devices. Historically, these copies filled a void when full-fledged ports of the defining series were not readily accessible on these specific mobile operating systems.