5 reasons why GTA 6 Online should be free-to-play

While Rockstar Games prepares to release Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025, fans are also anticipating GTA 6 Online in the future. The September 2022 leaks showed a glimpse of the upcoming multiplayer game, fueling excitement within the community. Although there is no official detail available about it at the moment, many believe that Rockstar should consider making the online mode free to play.

This article lists five solid reasons why the upcoming GTA 6 Online version should be a free-to-play game.

Note: This article is subjective and only reflects the writer’s opinions.

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5 reasons why GTA 6 Online should be free for all players

1) GTA 5 Online was a huge success

Rockstar Games should follow GTA 5 Online’s strategy in the upcoming multiplayer game (Image via Rockstar Games)

Grand Theft Auto 5 Online is a free-to-play game and it became a huge success almost instantly. Therefore, the gaming studio should consider a similar strategy for GTA 6, as the player base is now accustomed to this method and is expecting the same.

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2) To have a huge player base

Free games often attract a huge number of players (Image via Rockstar Games)

There is no doubt that both Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive are expecting a huge number of players upon GTA 6 release. Therefore, making the multiplayer game free to play is one of the best business decisions the studio can take.

Due to some price-related rumors in the past, the Grand Theft Auto community is already worried about the cost of the upcoming game. Therefore, GTA 6 Online should be announced as free-to-play, so that it can attract more players.

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3) Opportunity for microtransactions

Rockstar Games will undoubtedly include microtransactions in the upcoming multiplayer game (Image via Rockstar Games)

It has now become a common practice in free-to-play games to include microtransactions. Rockstar Games is also pushing its GTA Plus and Shark Card sales, and they will undoubtedly be a part of the GTA 6 Online gameplay. Therefore, the upcoming game should be free to play for all.

However, the developer should consider changing some aspects that are criticized by players in the current multiplayer game. Locking things behind a paywall should be completely avoided in Grand Theft Auto 6’s multiplayer version. While players are coping in the current game, they may not accept it in the upcoming version.

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4) Encourages players to create content

Grand Theft Auto fans are eager to create new content in the upcoming game (Image via Rockstar Games)

Free-to-play games often encourage players to create user-generated content and Grand Theft Auto 5 Online is a prime example of it. Rockstar Games even promotes community-created missions at times.

The GTA 6 Online gameplay should also be free to play so that the tradition continues in the future, as players are excited to explore the new map and create custom content based on various areas.

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5) To have a global audience

Gamers from all around the world are waiting for the next Grand Theft Auto title (Image via Rockstar Games)

Setting up a video game price is a very complex process, as every country has a different economy and purchasing power. The currently prevailing $60-70 price tag often becomes a huge local amount in various countries. To address this, Rockstar Games should consider including GTA 6 Online with the base game at no additional cost.

This approach would make the game more accessible globally, encouraging players from diverse regions to buy it. Additionally, it will not only boost sales but also help in creating a global community.

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