Grand Theft Auto 5, and its Grand Theft Auto Online multiplayer component, remains one of the most popular games on the planet. It should be no surprise then that many Grand Theft Auto players are anxious to hear more information about Rockstar's plans for a next-gen console enhanced edition of the game. Rockstar's still holding off on releasing any official details about the upgrade, but dataminers are more than willing to share info, such as what appears to be confirmation of character transfers.
In a recent update to Grand Theft Auto Online, some references to what could be the game's next-gen upgrade were found. To be clear, the dataminers could be confused about the nature of this code or the code itself could be irrelevant. However, if the code is a meaningful leak, one reference named "CHasCharacterToTransferDecisionPage" could have some interesting ramifications. Or, at the very least, is evidence that not much will be changing going into the next generation.
In a perfect world, Grand Theft Auto Online players would have absolutely no need for character transfers. Players would be able to start up their game, log in to Grand Theft Auto Online, and their character would be there regardless of what platform they were using. As such, a Grand Theft Auto Online Enhanced Edition on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S wouldn't need character transfers. That isn't how Grand Theft Auto Online works, however.
Grand Theft Auto Online does not support cross-play. That means that every console generation is an island, including consoles from the same manufacturer like PS3 and PS4. The leak that there could character transfers implies this won't change on next-generation consoles. Those who want to play Grand Theft Auto Online on PS5 may have to transfer their characters over from PS4, while Xbox Series X players may have to transfer over from Xbox One. Both may have to leave their previous platform and community behind to do so.
The good news is that character transfers in the previous generation were very simple and fast. When the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game come out, players will be able to transfer with ease. The bad news is that Rockstar appears to still be relying on this antiquated way of splitting the community up on different platforms. The hope for cross-play appears to be dashed yet again.
Rockstar will hopefully take these lessons forward as it works on the next Grand Theft Auto title, or whatever project it's working on next. Players very clearly want cross-play so that they can play on PS4, PS5, or Xbox consoles and still maintain their community.
Grand Theft Auto Online is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: GTAForums