For the past couple of years, Grand Theft Auto V’s online mode (GTA Online) has been making some interesting changes. Its developer, Rockstar, has decided to expand the online service into a more solo-friendly user experience.
Initially published by Rockstar in September 2013, it is hard to believe the game has been out for more than seven years. With its recent re-release for PS5 and Xbox Series S, GTA V has spanned 3 console generations. Its online mode has expanded into a massive, open-world online space more akin to an MMO like Destiny than more simple online matchmaking services. Players are truly spoiled for choice when playing GTA Online. There are hundreds of things to do, and the list keeps getting longer.
On December 15th, Grand Theft Auto Online got its most ambitious update so far in the form of the Cayo Perico patch. While the Cayo Perico island content offers plenty to do, the most interesting thing about it is its solo options. The player now has a choice of whether they would like to tackle missions and challenges alone or in a group. Previously, group matchmaking was the standard.
In an interview with GQ, Rockstar design director Scott Butchard revealed that Rockstar would be actively leaning toward more solo options moving forward for future updates. ”It’s something we’re keen to carry forward. We want to respect teams and players who want to play co-op. But at the same time still allow solo players to still get just as valid an experience out of it. There’s perks to both.” He goes on to say that “I think you can see that with Online and I think going forward we’re going to inject more of that single-player element in there.”
This is a bold move by Rockstar and something that more online games should take note of. As the gaming world moves further into exclusively online content, such as Sony releasing a version of the PS5 that has no port for physical games, it is important to remember that some players just prefer to play alone, even in online games. Not every player wants to matchmake and voice chat with other players and solo-gaming is something that has largely gone by the wayside in the past decade. While excellent solo titles are still being developed and released, such as Octopath Traveler, or Fire Emblem: Three Houses, it is nice to see a franchise with such a massive following like GTA cater to players who prefer a solo experience.
In the Cayo Perico update, players got a taste of what’s to come in regards to solo play. While the base Grand Theft Auto V sits largely unchanged, GTA Online hasn’t stopped updating. While there is very little news in the way of the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI, it is impressive how much work Rockstar has put into GTA Online. Some say it has been milked for too long, but players could just as easily chalk it up as an example of a game that the developers are still heavily invested in with plenty left to offer.
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