Despite releasing more than seven years ago,GTA Onlineis more popular than ever. Rockstar Games confirmed that 2020 set the record for the game’s player count, meaning more people playedGrand Theft Auto Onlinein 2020 than any year before.
Grand Theft Auto Online’s popularity can be attributed to the steady stream of updates and new content that Rockstar continues to roll out. Last year saw the release of several updates that provided players with new vehicles and missions. The year ended withGrand Theft AutoOnline’s biggest update to date, theEl Cayo Perico Heist, which introduced a new location for players to explore, as well as new vehicles and a heist that can be completed solo or with friends.
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It is no surprise, then, that 2020 sawGrand Theft AutoOnline’s highest player count yet. Rockstar did not provide exact numbers, but their claim is supported by aWorldwide Digital Games Marketanalysis from Nielson research agency SuperData. The analysis found thatGrand Theft Auto5, which includesGrand Theft AutoOnline, placed fourth in December 2020’s list of top-grossing console games. It is an impressive feat considering the game’s age and its competition, which included hot new titles likeCyberpunk 2077andCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
The analysis also revealed that December 2020 wasGrand Theft Auto Online’s highest grossing monthin the seven-plus years that the game has been out. The earnings were undoubtedly driven by the El Cayo Perico Heist update, which brought in new players and reinvigorated the existing player base. It is worth noting that the update was released for free, meaning the high earnings came from micro transactions, not from players purchasing the DLC.
Rockstar announced that it will celebrateGrand Theft AutoOnline’s new player count milestone by giving free bonuses to anyone who logs on before February 12. The bonuses include a Rockstar cap and a Rockstar Rolling Tee. Rockstar said players should expect more reward events in the near future.
Grand Theft Auto Online’s ongoing success likely means that Rockstar is in no rush to release the highly anticipatedGrand Theft Auto 6, despite the rumors that the developer is hidinghints about the upcoming game inGTA Online. After all,Grand Theft AutoOnlineis already Rockstar’s most lucrative project, so it would not make sense for the company to undercut it by rushing out a newGrand Theft Autogame.
Rockstar has teased thatGrand Theft Auto6will be a single player experience, which hints that the game will not have a multiplayer component. This suggests that the company may decide to continue to updateGrand Theft AutoOnlinewith new updates and upgrades, rather than creating an entirely new game from the ground up.
Grand Theft Auto Onlineis available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
