GTA Online Update Rumoured To Add First-Ever Map Expansion
If you think you've explored every dive bar and brothel of Grand Theft Auto Online, get ready to experience a whole new world as Rockstar Games' supersized GTA Online update might add the game's first-ever map expansion. Los Santos is already a sprawling hub of crime and cops, but with Rockstar promising its biggest update, you'd better make sure you've added a little extra fuel to your tank.
It's crazy to think we've been zooming around GTA Online since 2013, meaning we've had a full seven years of taking part in heists and pushing the narrative forward. While GTA Online was originally set as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto V, the game has moved with the times and is now set a few years after the main story of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Although many are looking ahead for even the smallest hint of GTA 6, it sounds like Rockstar is doubling down on its efforts to keep GTA Online going.
Grand Theft Auto Online update: What's the rumour?
According to Rockstar Mag, a map expansion could finally be on the way to GTA Online. Earlier this year, we saw Gorillaz film a music video called "The Valley of the Pagans" within the world of GTA V. It was here that players first spotted a mysterious island in the distance and sparked debate over whether we'd be getting an expansion. Rumours have gone into overdrive now the video has just been set to private - insert side-eye emoji.
In Rockstar's earning calls (via Business Wire), CEO Strauss Zelnick said the company is expecting its biggest-ever fiscal year that will end on March 31, 2021. Added to this, Zelnick said, "Both Grand Theft Auto Online and Red Dead Online will receive major updates later this fiscal year, featuring an extension to existing Frontier Pursuits for Red Dead Online, as well as Grand Theft Auto Online’s biggest update ever, featuring a new take on Heists in a new location".
Most thought Zelnick was teasing something similar to the Diamond Casino location that was previously added, but if the latest rumours are to be believed, it's something much bigger. It definitely fits the bill of biggest update and biggest quarter if Rockstar is adding a supersized expansion.
Grand Theft Auto Online update: Is it on the way?
With GTA Online still going strong - and having helped GTA V become the most profitable entertainment product of all time - it makes sense that Rockstar wants to keep its golden goose laying games. Added to this, a huge update to GTA Online would also secure it for the future. For the time being, Rockstar is busy tasking players with completing its latest heist and stealing a collective $100 billion across the title. It's no small feat.
Looking at what Activision is doing with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War integrating with Call of Duty: Warzone, it's easy to imagine the eventual release of Grand Theft Auto 6 tying into GTA Online. There's a flurry of rumours about where Rockstar will take the story next, but if we're going back to Vice City, picture the scene of GTA Online getting a Miami-inspired overhaul.
Unfortunately Zelnick and co. aren't quite ready to reveal what is (or isn't) on the horizon. Either way, let's tentatively pack our bags and wait and see if Los Santos is about to redeem what's been a pretty crappy 2020.
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