Grand Theft Auto Online has been one of Rockstar's most successful projects, stretching the lifespan of GTA 5's world to an impressive length. GTA 5 served as its own compelling open-world adventure, but GTA Online takes role-playing and fun-filled mayhem to the next level.

As each passing day brings gamers closer to the planned fall release of GTA 6, many have wondered if the game will feature its own online counterpart. Getting to experience Vice City with other players seems like a likely scenario, especially if recent rumors of a GTA 6 metaverse are to be believed. This remains to be seen, but the current version of GTA Online is the perfect stage for Rockstar to begin laying a breadcrumb trail that leads to more GTA 6 news.

(Left) Bully promotional image of Gary and Jimmy (Right) Watch Dogs 2 driving gameplay
13 Great Games To Play While Waiting For GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto 6 is likely still a long way off. Luckily, there are some games with a similar feeling that you can dive into while waiting!

Rockstar Needs to Take Advantage of GTA Online's Marketing Potential

GTA 6 Theories Continue to Mount

Since the game's first and only trailer dropped at the end of 2023, there have been numerous theories that have tried, and failed, to predict Rockstar's next move. Fans are hungry for more, and while the announcement trailer for GTA 6 was an exciting cinematic sneak peek, Rockstar's silence has only made the hype more palpable. There's no telling when the developer will be ready to release the next glimpse into Vice City, but using GTA Online as a way to make the lead-up to the game far more interactive could be thrilling.

Analysts at DFC Intelligence have predicted that GTA 6 could potentially make a whopping $3.2 billion in its first year.

Ways GTA Online Could Tease GTA 6

  • A new heist that offers story information as a reward
  • Special in-game events that debut teaser trailers
  • Challenges that could unlock starter money for GTA 6's online counterpart

Of course, such bold events may be wishful thinking, but if any developer is capable of bringing this type of content to its player-base, it's Rockstar. With the game's launch quickly approaching, many players are looking for ways to give GTA 5 a proper send-off, and GTA Online going all out with special events and rewards could be an incredible method of giving fans one last boost of content that makes the GTA 6 excitement skyrocket even more than it already has.

A hypothetical heist reward in GTA Online could offer players insight into GTA 6's protagonists Lucia and Jason's backgrounds or showcase what has changed in Vice City since it was last featured.

One final push that brings the fans the long-awaited next trailer is perfect for GTA Online, but it's unclear if Rockstar has anything like this planned for the future. The massive developer has maintained its low-key approach to GTA 6's lead-up, and that in itself has been keeping players on edge.

Frankly, anything Rockstar does at this point is bound to make waves. Just the simple creation of the GTA 6 Discord server has ignited speculation that a new announcement could happen any day now. This is definitely a significant move, even if it seems relatively small, but until Rockstar brings a full-blown trailer or gameplay deep dive to fans, the only thing gamers can do is theorize.

GTA 5 served as its own compelling open-world adventure, but GTA Online takes role-playing and fun-filled mayhem to the next level.

GTA 6 is Already Shaking Up the Year's Calendar

Right now, there are a lot of games scheduled for a 2025 release, but a lot of them have yet to actually reveal specific dates. It has been confirmed that GTA 6 is still on track for a fall 2025 launch, so it appears that other developers are waiting to announce their own dates in order to avoid launching on the same day or close to Rockstar's offering. As of now, the wait continues, but GTA Online hopefully takes advantage of its power as a marketing tool.

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Grand Theft Auto Online Tag Page Cover Art
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Released
October 1, 2013
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Developer(s)
Rockstar North
Publisher(s)
Rockstar Games
Engine
Rockstar Advanced Game Engine
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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Genre(s)
Open-World, Action