As Grand Theft Auto V Online approaches a potential end to its long-standing relevance, Rockstar Games is poised to extend its support for the multiplayer platform, keeping it alive for the foreseeable future. After more than 11 years, this iconic service remains a cornerstone of the gaming community while fans eagerly anticipate the next installment.
This article presents five compelling arguments for why the GTA 5 Online servers are likely to remain operational for some time.
5 Reasons Why Rockstar Is Likely to Keep GTA 5 Online Servers Active
1) A Thriving Player Community
Rockstar Games continues to support GTA 5 Online across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. The sheer scale of its playerbase remains impressive, with SteamDB data indicating that around 187,000 players engaged in the game over the last month. This robust activity suggests a promising future for GTA 5 Online.
2) Strong Profitability
With such a large and active playerbase, it’s clear that GTA 5 Online remains a lucrative endeavor for Rockstar Games. Revenue streams from game sales and in-game purchases, like Shark Cards and GTA Plus memberships, highlight the financial success of this title. This profitability is a significant factor contributing to the game’s longevity heading into 2025 and beyond.
3) Recent Enhancements for PC Players
Watch the Enhanced Edition Trailer
Rockstar’s recent launch of the Enhanced Edition for PC has breathed new life into GTA 5 Online. This edition boasts exclusive features previously available only on current-gen consoles, in addition to introducing GTA Plus memberships tailored for PC gamers. Given the developer’s history of support post-launch, it’s reasonable to anticipate that GTA 5 Online will thrive even amid the eventual arrival of GTA 6.
4) Rockstar’s Commitment to Long-Term Support
Rockstar’s Multiplayer Support Overview
Rockstar has a track record of sustaining multiplayer services over significant periods. For instance, the online component of Grand Theft Auto IV remained active on PC until March 2020, despite dwindling player numbers. With GTA 5 Online’s popularity eclipsing that of its predecessor, it’s logical to expect continued support from the studio. Additionally, despite being less popular, Red Dead Online continues to receive Rockstar’s attention, further emphasizing their commitment.
5) Uncertain Future for GTA 6 Online Launch
Before potentially shutting down the GTA 5 Online servers, Rockstar will likely prioritize the successful launch of GTA 6 Online, ensuring it is both popular and profitable. However, no official details have emerged regarding the arrival of this new title, indicating that GTA 6 Online may not debut simultaneously with the single-player experience. Therefore, the existing multiplayer game is expected to maintain its relevance while fans await more news about the future.
For those interested in exploring the longevity of GTA 5 Online, details can be found in this article.