5 reasons why there won't be another big GTA Online update before GTA 6 release

Rockstar Games releases new GTA Online updates every six months. However, given we're gradually approaching GTA 6's release date, there may not be many updates left. In fact, we might not even see a big GTA Online update before GTA 6 since the company might want to focus more on its new project.

A sizeable portion of the GTA playerbase includes users who will return to GTA 5 occasionally after Grand Theft Auto 6’s release and those who continue to play the current multiplayer game despite the sequel's arrival. The latter category expects a big DLC update from Rockstar before the release of GTA 6.

However, this article lists and discusses five reasons why the developer may not release any more big GTA Online updates.

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

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5 reasons why Rockstar Games may not release any big GTA Online update before GTA 6 release

1) Updates are getting smaller with time

Rockstar Games is gradually shrinking the new content in Grand Theft Auto Online (Image via Rockstar Games)

For the past few years, Rockstar Games has been gradually making GTA Online updates smaller and smaller. The Contract, released in December 2021, was the last big update when Rockstar added Dr. Dre to the multiplayer game.

After that, every DLC update, including the GTA Online Agents of Sabotage DLC, has been small in terms of the missions and other new additions. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that we will get another big update before GTA 6 release.

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2) Rockstar is focusing more on GTA 6

Since Grand Theft Auto 6 is Rockstar's most ambitious project to date, the studio has shifted its major focus and manpower to finish it. This decision has also seemingly affected GTA Online updates, especially in recent years.

Moving forward, it is likely that Rockstar will invest even more manpower into GTA 6 before its release. As a result, expecting a big GTA Online update at this point is a pipe dream. We are more likely to get medium to small-size updates.

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3) To shift the player base to the new title

Once Grand Theft Auto 6 is released, Rockstar Games will want the player base to shift to the newer title as soon as possible. The GTA 6 marketing process can also be expected to be at full pace around that time.

Big GTA Online updates usually retain players and bring back old users to the current multiplayer game. Considering Rockstar Games’ past business practices, it is highly unlikely that the studio will take such measures.

While the developer may release new updates, they will be smaller so that the player base shifts to GTA 6.

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4) To make more money from the new game

Similar to player count, big GTA Online updates also bring in massive revenue for Rockstar Games. Take-Two Interactive has a huge monetary goal set for the upcoming period, especially regarding Grand Theft Auto 6. Therefore, releasing bigger updates for Grand Theft Auto Online could sabotage that goal.

Despite various GTA 6 delay concerns, the game is still slated to release during the fall of 2025 (in official terms). Therefore, to make it the highest-grossing game, Rockstar Games won't likely release any big updates for the current multiplayer game.

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5) To shift old-gen players to current-gen consoles

Grand Theft Auto 6 will not be released on old-gen gaming consoles (Image via Rockstar Games)

As of now, all GTA Online updates are released on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. However, the GTA 6 release is scheduled for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S only. Interestingly, a majority of the player base still plays the old-gen version of the multiplayer game.

Rockstar Games has been trying its best to shift GTA Online players to the current-gen consoles by offering exclusive content and features. Releasing big updates can potentially retain players on older consoles. Therefore, we may not get any bigger DLC updates in the future.

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