GTA 6 is a “single-player expertise,” Rockstar has confirmed in a observe despatched to IGN, in addition to on storefronts the place now you can preorder the sport. This implies the $80 base sport doesn’t embrace any new model of GTA On-line, ought to such an expertise be within the works.
Whereas many are assuming Rockstar plans to launch a new and improved GTA On-line sooner or later sooner or later, there stays questions over how it will likely be launched. Will Rockstar launch a new GTA On-line without cost inside GTA 6? Or will it launch it as a standalone expertise, doubtlessly charging extra?
Rockstar’s bulletins at the moment have made it clear that the present GTA On-line is the main target for now. A digital preorder will get you a free month of GTA+, with Rockstar referencing GTA On-line in its press launch:
“Expertise the dynamic blockbuster GTA On-line now with one of the simplest ways to get probably the most out of its ever-evolving world. Pre-order any version of Grand Theft Auto VI on the PlayStation Retailer or Microsoft Retailer and get one free month of GTA+ — that includes a recurring month-to-month GTA$500,000 deposit into your GTA On-line character’s checking account, entry to particular Shark Playing cards with 15% bonus GTA$, entry to free and discounted GTA On-line automobiles, a rotating collection of basic Rockstar Video games titles and different featured video games within the GTA+ Video games Library, and rather more.”
Maybe we shouldn’t be shocked by the dearth of a new GTA On-line for GTA 6 at launch. GTA On-line continues to print cash for Rockstar and dad or mum firm Take-Two, and its availability on PC, the place GTA 6 is not going to be accessible day one, will certainly preserve its momentum at the same time as GTA 6 hits PlayStation 5 and Xbox Collection X and S.
Final yr, IGN requested Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick concerning the destiny of GTA On-line, and in his response he referenced NBA 2K On-line, the free-to-play online-focused model of 2K Sports activities’ vastly profitable basketball franchise aimed on the Asian market. NBA 2K On-line launched all the way in which again in 2012, after which 2K Sports activities launched NBA 2K On-line 2 in 2017. Each video games had been maintained concurrently, so followers of the primary model may proceed to play and make investments their money and time protected within the information they wouldn’t be left behind.
“I will communicate theoretically solely as a result of I am not going to speak about a explicit undertaking when an announcement hasn’t been made,” Zelnick started. “However usually talking, we help our properties when the shoppers are concerned with these titles. For example, we launched NBA 2K On-line in China, I believe initially in 2012 if I am not mistaken. After which we launched NBA 2K On-line 2 in China in 2017. If I am not mistaken. We didn’t sundown On-line 1. They each are nonetheless out there and so they serve shoppers and so they’re alive and we’ve got this huge viewers.
“So we have proven a willingness to help legacy titles when a neighborhood needs to be engaged with them.”
That final line is of explicit significance. It suggests — however doesn’t affirm at this stage — that if there’s a GTA On-line 2, it received’t come at the price of GTA On-line throwing in the towel. If folks maintain enjoying GTA On-line, Zelnick is suggesting right here, then Rockstar will proceed to help it.
So, whereas a new GTA On-line feels inevitable, maybe followers shouldn’t maintain their breath for its launch. When you wait, we have got a lot extra on GTA 6 following at the moment’s announcement, together with affirmation of the GTA 6 value, over 60 new GTA 6 screenshots, and Sony’s boast that GTA 6 “performs greatest” on PS5.
Wesley is Director, Information at IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You possibly can attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.