Zelnick pointed to the company's track record with_NBA 2K Online_, a free-to-play variant of the popular basketball franchise targeted at the Asian market. He noted that when_NBA 2K Online 2_was launched in 2017, it continued to operate the original_NBA 2K Online_, which had been running since 2012, was not discontinued. Instead, both versions continued to operate simultaneously, serving their respective player bases.
Zelnick emphasized that the company's approach is driven by consumer engagement, stating, "We support our properties when the consumers are involved with those titles." This philosophy suggests that as long as there is a substantial player base actively engaging with GTA Online, Rockstar may continue to support and update the game.
Of course, GTA Online players still have every right to worry. While Zelnick does claim that Rockstar will continue supporting GTA Online for as long as people are playing, Red Dead Online didn't get the same treatment. Considering that Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best games of the past two decades and its online component remains popular despite the lack of updates, we can't say for sure yet if GTA Online will continue to live on.
The potential for ongoing support of the current GTA Online is particularly significant given the large number of players who have invested considerable time, effort, and money into the game. Over the past decade, GTA Online players have amassed vast in-game fortunes, extensive property portfolios, and impressive vehicle collections. It's understandable why some are worried that they'll lose all their hard work.
While Zelnick's comments are encouraging, it's important to note that there's no official confirmation about Rockstar's plans for GTA Online. The exact nature of any potential support, including whether it would involve new content updates or simply server maintenance, remains unclear. Considering that GTA Online only recently got the BattlEye update and Grand Theft Auto V: Expanded and Enhanced is still coming to PC, GTA Online should still get significant updates for the next two years even after GTA 6 comes out later this fall.
Speaking of GTA 6, it feels as if it's all that's everyone can talk about these days. Aside from Zelnick, who refused to talk about when GTA 6 is coming to the PC and teased a potential Nintendo Switch 2 port, other executives are either flatout praising GTA 6 and calling it "king" or hinting at its significance in their company's plans for the next fiscal year.
