As GTA Online became a surprise breakout success, Rockstar Games wanted to stay on top of the situation by keeping players engaged while attracting new ones through DLC. They succeeded, too, with one update being more spectacular than the next. However, over time the game drifted further and further away from the franchise's essence — which is probably why the idea of the upcoming return-to-form DLC is so refreshing.
Unless you possess the general knowledge and/or deductive capabilities of a sock, you'll know that GTA stands for Grand Theft Auto. In legal terms, this is a criminal felony the specifics of which vary, but generally involve stealing a large quantity of vehicles in succession.
While the gameplay of all GTA games was deeper and extended beyond this one mechanic, it was always a major aspect. Usually, to get from point A to point B, you'd jack one of the countless cars parked in your vicinity. You'd complete missions by stealing specific cars. You'd chase down targets in stolen cars. You'd spend a lot of time stealing cars.
Eventually, in their bid to innovate, Rockstar drifted farther and farther away from this basic activity. Sure, there is still a lot of carjacking going on in GTA 5 and in the early game of Online, but it's rare indeed when a high-level player yanks the driver out of a passing-by ride.
Instead, the late-game — since there is no end-game — now focuses on heists, crate missions, VIP jobs and the running of various illegal businesses. Sure, the occasional stealing of a vehicle still pops up, but more often than not you'll be riding into battle piloting a heavily armed aircraft. Which you own.
