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The multiplayer “GTA Online” has been around for a while now that it was launched at a time when PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles are still frequently used. However, fans using these systems will need to buy new hardware soon if they want to keep playing the game.
Long-time ‘GTA Online’ players on old consoles will need to upgrade soon
Rockstar Games announced on Wednesday that it is ending the support for “GTA Online” on Xbox 360 and PS3, which launched in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The online multiplayer will only be available on these systems until Dec. 16.
As part of the change, Rockstar will stop selling microtransaction items like Shark Cash Cards for PS3 and Xbox 360 users on Sept. 15. Meanwhile, fans can continue playing the game as long as they move to a newer console. “Please note, these changes are strictly for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of GTA Online, and will have no impact on access to, or progress within, the ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ Story Mode,” the developer wrote.
However, some “GTA Online” features for these old consoles will end way before Dec. 16. PS3 and Xbox 360 gamers can only use the website stat tracking through Rockstar Games Social Club until Sept. 16. The online multiplayer and leaderboards for “Max Payne 3,” as well as the website stat tracking for “L.A. Noire” will also end on the same date for PS3 and Xbox 360 players.
‘GTA Online’ standalone and ‘GTA V’ next-gen versions are in the pipeline
Dropping support for PS3 and Xbox 360 systems appears to be part of Rockstar’s plan to focus its resources on newer generations of consoles especially after the release of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S last November. The studio is currently working on upgrading “GTA Online” for the new platforms, along with the release of the expanded edition of “GTA V” that will be released on Nov. 11.
Rockstar had also previously announced that “GTA Online” is going to be a standalone game, but the release date is still unknown. PS5 players who will purchase the expanded edition of “GTA V” will get free three-month access to the online multiplayer.
