GTA Online Stays Online as GTA 6 Nears

Take-Two Interactive remains committed to supporting legacy titles while player interest persists. Explore the potential future of GTA Online's coexistence with the next-gen release.

GTA Online's Potential Lifespan Extends Beyond GTA 6 Release

Publisher Commits to Continued Support Based on Player Engagement

With GTA 6's imminent arrival, questions arise regarding GTA Online's future. While Rockstar Games hasn't provided definitive plans, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick offered insight during a February 2025 interview with IGN.

Though declining to comment on specific projects, Zelnick explained the company's philosophy: "Generally, we continue supporting properties when they maintain engaged player communities." He emphasized decisions are driven by consumer demand rather than arbitrary timelines.

Zelnick cited NBA 2K Online's China operations as proof of concept: "We maintained support for the original version even after launching its sequel because both maintained substantial audiences." This precedent suggests GTA Online could remain operational alongside a potential GTA 6 online component.

The economic rationale strengthens this possibility. GTA Online has generated billions since 2013, ranking among gaming's most profitable services. Discontinuing such a successful platform without clear player decline appears commercially unlikely.

Rockstar Explores User-Generated Content Platform for GTA 6

Reports suggest Rockstar may evolve its online approach for GTA 6. According to Digiday's February 2025 investigation, development teams have consulted with top UGC creators from Roblox, Fortnite, and GTA communities about implementing creative tools.

This potential system would empower players to design custom experiences within GTA 6's framework, mirroring successful models in contemporary live-service games. The company reportedly envisions monetization opportunities through creator revenue-sharing programs.

The strategy appears prudent given GTA V's enduring popularity – currently the third most-viewed game on Twitch fourteen years post-launch. By integrating creation tools, Rockstar could leverage community-generated content to sustain engagement while potentially capturing additional revenue streams.