5 reasons why GTA Online servers don't need to be shut down anytime soon

GTA Online has been running for 10+ years and it is still one of the most played video games of all time. While the OG PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 servers have been shut down by the studio, it is currently operating six servers for the game: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. However, many fans believe that Rockstar will shut down the game’s servers permanently after the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025.

Although the studio has yet to make an official announcement, this article lists five reasons why the GTA Online servers should not be shut down anytime soon.

NOTE: This article is subjective and only reflects the writer’s opinions. The listing is not in any order.

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Five solid reasons why Rockstar Games should not shut down GTA Online servers anytime soon

1) Next multiplayer game is still unannounced

A crowded area from Grand Theft Auto 6’s Vice City. (Image via Rockstar Games)

While Rockstar Games has revealed Grand Theft Auto 6, GTA 6 Online is yet to be announced. The September 2022 leaks showed that the studio was working on a new multiplayer mode. But, the December 2023 trailer did not reveal anything regarding it.

Since the official status is still unknown, the gaming studio should not abandon GTA Online anytime soon. Many players will still play the multiplayer game even after the release of the next title.

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2) GTA 6 PC release is yet to be announced

Arguably the second biggest anticipation after the Grand Theft Auto 6 release date is when will Rockstar release the GTA 6 PC version. The PC playerbase of GTA Online is also significantly bigger, and they will have to stick to the current multiplayer until the upcoming game arrives.

Therefore, Rockstar Games should not abandon them and continue running the GTA Online servers, at least until Grand Theft Auto 6 and its multiplayer version arrive on PC. Releasing the highly requested Michael DLC before the final shutdown is also not a bad idea.

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3) PS4 has the biggest playerbase

It may come as a surprise, but the PlayStation 4 has the biggest GTA Online playerbase. While Rockstar Games continues to promote the Expanded and Enhanced version, many players are not interested in making the switch. According to gaming industry experts, this has made Grand Theft Auto 6’s release a little tricky for the gaming studio.

Since the upcoming game won’t be released on PlayStation 4, Rockstar should not shut down the Grand Theft Auto Online servers anytime soon. The studio should wait for the PS4 playerbase to make the shift before making any decisions.

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4) The game is still making significant profits

Grand Theft Auto 5 is one of the biggest money-makers for Rockstar, and the multiplayer version plays a major role in it. While GTA Online should not run for another 10 years, the developer should not close it either. The decade-old game continues to sell exceptionally well, with Shark Cards and GTA Plus subscriptions adding to its success.

Therefore, Rockstar should not sabotage a chunk of its profits by shutting down GTA Online on any of the aforementioned platforms. Grand Theft Auto 4’s servers were shut down many years after the current multiplayer game’s release. The same should be repeated in the future as well.

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5) Rockstar needs to test the waters before the shift

Grand Theft Auto Online is a safe playground for Rockstar. (Image via GTA Wiki)

Before Rockstar abandons GTA Online and moves towards Grand Theft Auto 6 and its multiplayer version, it should test the waters. Red Dead Online was not a great success for the studio. Therefore, nothing can be said surely for Grand Theft Auto 6 Online.

If anything goes wrong, Rockstar could keep their profits balanced by continue releasing new updates for Grand Theft Auto Online. Therefore, a planned execution is strictly needed.