Is GTA 7 Canceled? Insider Reveals Rockstar's Plans

It's been over a year since we got the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 and if we believe Take-Two Interactive's increased marketing budget for the next fiscal year, it won't be long before we get the next trailer ahead of the game's release window this fall. While GTA 6 is still at least half a year away, it hasn't stopped insiders from talking about what comes after, no, we aren't talking about just the next Grand Theft Auto Online - though one insider thinks there isn't much else to speculate about.

A reputable Rockstar Games insider, known as @Mvbrr on social media, has shed light on the company's plans post- GTA 6. According to their recent posts, Rockstar is reportedly pivoting towards a new initiative called "Project ROME," which stands for "Rockstar Online Modding Engine," a would-be successor to the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine.

He adds that Project ROME represents a significant evolution for the multiplayer component of GTA 6. The insider suggests that this new direction will prioritize player creativity, allowing users to generate and share custom content within the game world. Although ambitious, it aligns with recent reports of Rockstar exploring collaborations with creators from popular platforms like Fortnite and Roblox, hinting at a possible embrace of metaverse-like concepts within the Grand Theft Auto universe.

While exciting, the insider also raised concerns about the potential implementation and long-term sustainability of Project ROME. They speculate that Rockstar or its parent company, Take-Two, could introduce monetization schemes for user-generated mods. Perhaps the most shocking revelation from the insider is the claim that fans should not expect a Grand Theft Auto 7 in the future.

Instead, Rockstar appears to be shifting its focus towards expanding and monetizing the multiplayer experience. The insider suggests that features like an "Online Storytelling Mode" could replace traditional single-player sequels, potentially signaling the end of mainline GTA titles as we know them.

By focusing on expanding GTA 6's online component and empowering players to create content, Rockstar could be aiming to extend the game's lifespan and revenue potential far beyond what traditional sequels could offer.

However, it would drastically change the franchise, maybe for the worse. Fans have long celebrated the series for its immersive, narrative-driven campaigns, and it may disappoint fans to see further reduced emphasis on these elements, especially after all the canceled DLCs.

As with all unofficial information, it's important to approach these claims with caution. The true nature of Project ROME and the future of the GTA franchise will likely remain uncertain until the company makes formal announcements. For now, the only thing that's guaranteed is that GTA 6 is currently scheduled for release in fall 2025 on the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X.

If you're more interested in GTA 7, you can head on over to its dedicated subreddit to talk with like-minded folks. Speaking of GTA 6, did you know that pre-orders are already live in Malaysia? Additionally, some folks are working on backporting Grand Theft Auto: Vice City to the Sega Dreamcast.