GTA Online is a vital aspect for players in GTA 6, however, its release needs to be staggered. Rockstar Games has a recent tradition of releasing the single-player mode of their games before the online component, starting back with Grand Theft Auto 5. The mode was released two weeks after the game’s launch. More recently, Red Dead Redemption 2 did the same with Red Dead Online, but this time for a month. Honestly, this is a pattern I welcome with open arms.
When it comes to GTA 6, this has to continue in my mind. Even more so, I believe the staggering of the mode’s release should be around a month again. Mainly so players can get to experience everything that GTA 6 has to offer when it comes to the single-player before GTA Online comes. The Grand Theft Auto series spans many years, and with each new iteration comes more innovations. However, the same can be said with GTA Online. A mode that feels at times like it is competing with the story mode for attention.
Single Player is Vital to GTA 6 Before GTA Online
The narratives of the Grand Theft Auto series have always been big hits. Whether it was Tommy Vercetti’s rise to power in Vice City or Michael, Trevor, and Franklin taking scores in Los Santos. The games have always told fantastic stories, many with incredible set pieces. The storytelling in these games goes in many great directions and is something that all players should experience when playing GTA. However, by releasing GTA Online with the game, it is going to pull players away. Rather than experience the next campaign, many may want to pull ahead in their online progress.
The tale that Rockstar Games looks to be telling with the new title is already intriguing. By staggering the release of GTA Online in GTA 6, players can have a lot of time to play through the story. If recent Rockstar titles are indicative of possible GTA 6 content, we need a while to do so. Additionally, in an advancing games industry where multiplayer titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Apex Legends reign, single-player games need their spotlight more than ever. GTA 6 is currently the most anticipated video game property on the planet, and will certainly help single-player games shine. Furthermore, the massive map we can expect is also something players need to be ready for before GTA Online launches.
A Map to Explore and Learn
Players are going to be transported to the state of Leonida, more specifically, Vice City. Although we got to experience the Miami-inspired city back on PS2, things are different. Rockstar Games is aiming to bring a much more expansive map with more detail. By playing through the single-player narrative, players get to learn the ins and outs of all of the streets in Vice City and the surrounding area. Similar to what happened with the area of Los Santos and Blaine County in GTA 5. Taking in the beauty of the map in multiplayer is a great experience. However, doing it through a narrative where it is just the player alone is how it is meant to be.
Furthermore, the developers like to put many easter eggs and random encounters throughout the game’s maps. A good example is the time traveler side quest in Red Dead Redemption 2. Even the interactions that Arthur Morgan has with NPCs are unforgettable. We will likely be seeing more experiences like that for GTA 6. However, with GTA Online being out at the same time, many will skip the campaign to jump into it right away. Therefore, players may miss out on what oddities and events the map can contain which would be very unfortunate.
Rockstar Games Needs to Let GTA 6 Have Its Story
Overall, I completely understand GTA Online is incredibly popular and many are excited to play it. However, players need to give the narrative of GTA 6 its dues when the game is released. As with previous cases, staggering the release incentivizes players to give the single player a chance. The development time and the game being made for current-gen consoles indicate that GTA 6 is going to be massive in terms of content. Additionally, the detail that the development teams for the story mode of Grand Theft Auto only has gotten better with each game. Instances like shooting the gas tank, and having the car run out of fuel to hitting an object and flying out of the windshield. The technology that consoles offer for Rockstar Games to develop GTA 6 can make those details unimaginable now.
I have been a fan of the Grand Theft Auto series since its early days on the original PlayStation. Each story is different and unique. Offering criminal undertakings, starting from small time up to the big leagues. The narratives have stuck with me over time and I go back and play them from time to time to see old friends and acquaintances as I rise in the underworld. As the GTA 6 release date approaches, I believe staggering the releases is a good choice. The GTA 6 could potentially be amazing and all players getting the game should experience it, giving way to appreciating GTA Online more when it releases.