The Future of GTA Online After GTA 6's Release: A Look at Take-Two's Strategy
The impending release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) in Fall 2025 has left many GTA Online players wondering about the fate of their beloved online world. With GTA 6 expected to introduce a new and potentially improved GTA Online experience (perhaps even a GTA Online 2), concerns are rising about the future of their current investments of time and money. Will their progress be wiped clean?
GTA Online's enduring popularity and profitability have significantly influenced Rockstar's decisions, prioritizing live service over story DLC for GTA 5. However, the upcoming release of GTA 6 presents a more critical question: should players continue investing in the current GTA Online?
In a recent interview, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick offered insight by drawing a parallel to NBA 2K Online. This free-to-play title, launched in 2012 and followed by NBA 2K Online 2 in 2017, demonstrates Take-Two's approach to maintaining legacy titles. Both versions co-existed, allowing players to continue their engagement without losing their progress.
Zelnick stated, while not explicitly addressing GTA Online's future, that Take-Two generally supports titles with active player communities. The continued success of NBA 2K Online and NBA 2K Online 2 serves as a prime example of this strategy. He emphasized their willingness to support legacy titles when a community remains engaged.
This suggests, though not confirming, that a potential GTA Online 2 wouldn't necessarily replace the original. If the player base continues to actively participate in the current GTA Online, Rockstar may continue its support.
While much remains unknown about GTA 6 beyond the initial trailer and release window, Rockstar will need to provide further details soon, especially given the anticipated Fall 2025 launch, potentially following Borderlands 4's September release. Until then, the question of GTA Online's future remains open, but Zelnick's comments offer a degree of reassurance for dedicated players.
Will You Continue to Play GTA Online When GTA 6 Comes Out?
- Yes! I'm happy with the original GTA Online
- No! Time to move on to whatever's next
- It depends (tell us why in the comments!)
