Grand Theft Auto 5 has retained its relevance for nearly nine years - since its release on the PS3 and Xbox 360. During this period, the enduring third-person action game has ported to the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and even PCs. It makes Grand Theft Auto 5 one of the few games to see the release of several console generations.
It remains Rockstar’s highest-selling game, with Grand Theft Auto Online keeping the title relevant to modern with constant updates and creative content. However, this expansive selection of platforms is Grand Theft Auto Online's greatest strength and weakness.
Updated January 1, 2022 by Christopher Anaya: Grand Theft Auto 5 continues its strive for relevancy nearly nine years after release. It has outlasted the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Now Grand Theft Auto 5 is available on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PCs - the latest gaming devices. Despite its numerous platforms, Grand Theft Auto Online has yet to introduce crossplay to Grand Theft Auto Online - the sole reason for its lingering relevancy.
While crossplay is a popular feature of many online games, there are numerous reasons for its absence in Grand Theft Auto Online. With every pro comes a multitude of cons. As such, Grand Theft Auto Online may not ever receive multi-platform support.
Does GTA Online Have Crossplay?
Unfortunately, Grand Theft Auto Online still does not support crossplay between different platforms. Currently, gamers may only team up with others playing on the same platform. With Grand Theft Auto Online's multitude of gaming devices, playing with others proves to be challenging - even with the discontinuation of online services for the PS3 and Xbox 360.
The age of Grand Theft Auto 5 may be why it does not support crossplay, as it was not the norm for titles released back then. Now, games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Rocket League are leading the pack with crossplay support - and titles void of multi-platform play are subject to scrutiny, as seen in the Outriders crossplay fiasco.
Sony's lingering defiance of crossplay is another factor contributing to the lack of multi-platform play. Throughout the PS3 and PS4 era, Sony adamantly refused the implementation of crossplay in any capacity. Fortunately, the company has since flipped this stance, now allowing - and even supporting - multi-platform play on PlayStation systems.
GTA Online Will Likely Not Receive Crossplay
Rockstar Games continues supporting Grand Theft Auto Online with frequent and sizeable updates. Therefore, it is unlikely that the developers will stop anytime soon - at least not until Grand Theft Auto 6 releases. Many fans hope that Grand Theft Auto Online will receive multi-platform support soon. However, such a considerable change is not only implausible but nearly impossible. Grand Theft Auto 5 is almost a decade old, thus, making monumental changes such as crossplay very difficult to implement.
Such a tremendous undertaking would require a profuse amount of time and effort from Rockstar Games. Moreover, much of the company's attention goes to the development of Grand Theft Auto 6 alongside other pressing projects. Players will have to accept this disheartening fact and make do with the gaming device they possess.
Pros And Cons Of Crossplay
As stated before, there are many pros and cons to implementing crossplay in Grand Theft Auto Online. One must consider these factors before determining if multi-platform support is beneficial - or even viable. So, Grand Theft Auto Online fans should assess the effects of crossplay.
Pros
- Multi-platform play
- Cross-progression
- Cross-saves
- Increased player base
In truth, crossplay in Grand Theft Auto Online seems like a wondrous idea. It would not only unite innumerable players but provide practical benefits as well. Crossplay would allow cross-progression, cross-saves, and expand Grand Theft Auto Online's player base. Therefore, relieving the game of numerous problems that hinder one from advancing. Arguments for crossplay are not without credibility, yet neither are those against it.
Cons
- Disparities between systems
- Compatibility issues
- Imbalances in gameplay
- Increase in modding/cheating
While many envision a unified video game utopia, it is a near impossibility, especially in Grand Theft Auto Online. Uniting various platforms would result in countless issues, chiefly arising from the inclusion of PC players. Crossplay problems such as system disparities, compatibility issues, and gameplay imbalances would disrupt the fun of Grand Theft Auto Online. Additionally, there would be an influx of modding and cheating, further diminishing one's enjoyment. The cons of crossplay significantly outweigh its pros, meaning that its introduction to Grand Theft Auto Online is improbable.
Grand Theft Auto Online is available to play on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.