A new rumor circulating in the Grand Theft Auto community suggests that Rockstar Games may take an unexpected approach with its upcoming blockbuster, GTA VI.
According to well-known GTA-Forum-user Tez2, the studio plans to split the next installment into two separate editions: one that features only GTA Online 2 and another that includes both the single-player campaign and online multiplayer - a model similar to what was done with Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online. However, unlike RDR2, where online launched later, this time, both versions would supposedly release at the same time.
A Bold New Direction, Or Just Another Rumor?
The rumor, which is all this is as of right now, has stirred up debate within the gaming community as fans speculate whether this could be a strategic move by Rockstar Games or just another unverified claim. While Tez2 has accurately uncovered Rockstar details through data mining in the past, some players remain skeptical about his credibility as an insider. One forum user dismissed the leak outright:
“Tez2 doesn’t know ****. He incorrectly predicted the GTA VI trailer about 20 times. He’s a data miner, not someone with an inside source.”
Despite the skepticism, the idea of Rockstar separating GTA VI and GTA Online 2 at launch isn’t far-fetched, given the overwhelming financial success of GTA V and its multiplayer component.
The Financial Success of GTA Online
Ever since its release in 2013, GTA Online has been one of the most profitable online games of all time. GTA V, which has sold over 190 million copies, became a cultural phenomenon, and much of that success is attributed to GTA Online’s ongoing updates, microtransactions, and Shark Card sales.
As a standalone title, GTA Online has continued to generate massive revenue, prompting Rockstar to sell it separately from GTA V on platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Given this business model, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rockstar decides to launch GTA Online 2 as an entirely separate product from GTA VI.
The Community Reacts
The possibility of GTA Online 2 launching independently of GTA VI has sparked heated discussions on Reddit. Some players are concerned about pricing, fearing Rockstar could charge separately for both versions, while others speculate on potential special editions:
"That is highway robbery," wrote user Devdevi45.
"Kinda want one without the multiplayer. They could probably make the multiplayer free and make loads of money from the shark cards", jumper62 stated.
"Can they do the opposite and only sell story for like $40" asked SomethingIntheWayyy0 (for sure with a light-hearted look).
The question remains: Would Rockstar justify a rumored $100 price tag for GTA VI if it didn’t include online multiplayer? If GTA VI were to launch without GTA Online 2, would its price be lower, or would Rockstar still charge premium rates for a solo experience?
What This Means for GTA VI’s Release
Right now, Grand Theft Auto VI is officially set to launch in late 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a PC release date yet to be confirmed. Rockstar has yet to comment on whether the single-player and multiplayer components will be separate or bundled together, meaning this rumor still remains just that - a rumor.
However, given how much Rockstar has changed its approach to GTA Online over the years, a split launch might not be out of the question. Whether that’s good or bad for fans depends on how Rockstar handles pricing, content updates, and progression between the two titles.
For now, fans eagerly await more official news from Rockstar Games as the gaming world counts down to the highly anticipated release of GTA VI.