The Future of GTA Online After GTA 6's Release: What We Know
The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) in Fall 2025 has left many GTA Online players wondering about the fate of their beloved live service game. With GTA 6 on the horizon, concerns are rising about the potential obsolescence of the current GTA Online and the investment players have already made in time and money.
GTA Online's enduring popularity and profitability have been significant factors in Rockstar's decision to prioritize it over story DLC for GTA 5. However, the upcoming release of GTA 6, potentially introducing a new and improved (or entirely separate) GTA Online experience, raises questions about the future of the original. Will players' progress and in-game purchases be transferred, or will a clean break be made?
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed these concerns in a recent interview. While he avoided specifics regarding any new GTA Online iteration, he cited the example of NBA 2K Online and NBA 2K Online 2. Both games were launched and maintained simultaneously, allowing players of the original to continue playing without losing their progress.
Zelnick stated that Take-Two generally supports its properties as long as there's a dedicated player base. This suggests that if a GTA Online 2 (or a similarly updated version) is released, the original GTA Online might not be immediately discontinued. Continued player engagement in the current GTA Online, Zelnick implied, would warrant continued support from Rockstar.
However, much about GTA 6 remains unknown. With only a trailer and a release window confirmed, more information is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Rockstar is likely to reveal more details soon, especially considering the Fall 2025 release date is approaching. The question of whether the current GTA Online will remain viable alongside a potential successor remains unanswered, but Zelnick's comments offer a degree of reassurance to players.
