Rumor: GTA 6’s Online Mode Could Evolve Into an MMORPG-Like Experience
Grand Theft Auto 6 remains one of the most anticipated games in the history of the industry. Its massive hype has already forced many publishers and developers to adjust their own release schedules to avoid clashing with Rockstar’s launch. Now, however, an unexpected theory has emerged, linking GTA 6 to the MMORPG genre.
Industry veteran Rich Vogel — who has worked on projects such as Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, Star Wars: The Old Republic, New World, Fallout 76, and Halo Infinite — said in a recent interview that he has heard about features planned for GTA 6 that could eventually push the game in an MMORPG-like direction. According to Vogel, if rumors about these mechanics are true, the evolution of GTA 6’s online mode could follow a similar path.
Vogel clarified that he is, of course, referring not to the single-player campaign, but to the online component — much like GTA 5, which featured a standalone story mode alongside GTA Online. He also stressed that he is not involved in the development of GTA 6, meaning this information should be treated strictly as a rumor.
That said, fans and experts see several reasons for such speculation. GTA Online already made a major step toward a persistent online world compared to the more session-based multiplayer of GTA 4. Its success was so overwhelming that Rockstar abandoned story-driven single-player expansions, instead focusing on regular updates for the online mode.
Another argument supporting the theory is Rockstar’s acquisition of Cfx.re in August 2023 — the developers behind FiveM. This GTA 5 mod introduced features commonly associated with MMORPGs, including dedicated servers, significantly higher player counts, and deep roleplaying systems with professions such as police officers, medics, and more.
Rockstar has yet to share any official details, which are unlikely to surface before next year. GTA 6 is currently scheduled to launch on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Meanwhile, the project has already been named the most anticipated game of the year twice at The Game Awards.