Michael De Santa has officially stepped back into Grand Theft Auto Online and players are loving every minute of it. His comeback arrives alongside the new Luxury Mansions update, one of the most requested property additions in the game’s history. On paper it looks like a perfect situation. A fan favourite protagonist returns, the map gets a fresh dose of high end real estate, and the final stretch of the year finally has something new to chase.

In practice, the reaction has been a little mixed. Plenty of players are enjoying the update, but many admit that seeing Michael again makes the wait for GTA 6 feel even longer. The timing is impossible to ignore. GTA Online receives a major mansion system just as everyone is closely watching Rockstar’s marketing cycle, hoping to spot the next signal that GTA 6 news is coming.

Older Michael, as seen in the official 'A Safehouse in the Hills' trailer.