Rockstar Games Plans Separate GTA 6 Online Release Strategy

Rockstar Games is preparing to implement a new distribution strategy for Grand Theft Auto 6, offering its online component as a separate purchase option at launch. This information comes from established industry insider Tez2, marking a significant shift in how the company traditionally releases its major titles.

According to the leak, players interested solely in GTA 6’s online experience will have the option to purchase it independently from the main game when it releases in 2025. However, those seeking the single-player experience will need to purchase the complete package, as the story mode won’t be available as a standalone purchase, Tez2 revealed.

Breaking Traditional Release Patterns

This approach represents a departure from Rockstar’s established release strategy. While both Grand Theft Auto Online and Red Dead Online eventually became available as standalone purchases, these releases occurred years after their respective base games launched. Red Dead Online, for instance, became available separately in December 2020, more than two years after Red Dead Redemption 2’s initial release. Similarly, GTA Online wasn’t offered independently until March 2022, nearly nine years after GTA 5’s debut.

The strategic shift appears aligned with Rockstar’s increasing focus on live-service gaming. GTA 5’s enduring success, driven by consistent content updates and an active player community, has demonstrated the potential of standalone online experiences. The new release strategy could help establish GTA 6’s online component as an independent entity from day one.

While the standalone online version is expected to carry a lower price point than the complete package, specific pricing details remain unknown. Industry speculation suggests the full version of GTA 6 might launch with multiple editions, following the pattern set by previous Rockstar releases such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto 5, which both launched with three distinct editions.