Take-Two CEO Supports Legacy Titles Amid GTA Online's Future Uncertainty Post-GTA 6

What happens to *GTA Online* when *Grand Theft Auto 6* launches? It's a question that has been on the minds of many *GTA Online* players since the official announcement of *GTA 6*. As the anticipated fall 2025 release date draws closer, clarity remains elusive.

GTA Online is Rockstar Games’ highly successful live service that continues to attract millions of players more than a decade after its initial launch. Its enduring popularity and financial success have reportedly influenced Rockstar’s focus on maintaining and expanding the online experience over developing new story-based DLC for *Grand Theft Auto V*, a move that frustrated some fans. However, an even bigger concern looms ahead.

When *GTA 6* finally arrives, it’s expected to come with a next-generation version of *GTA Online*—possibly dubbed *GTA Online 2* or simply the next evolution of the same game. This raises concerns among current players about what will happen to their progress, investments, and in-game assets. Many are asking: why invest time and money into the current *GTA Online* in early 2025, knowing a potential fresh start could be just months away?

IGN recently posed this very question to Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, during an interview prior to the company’s third-quarter earnings report. While Zelnick avoided giving specific details about any future iteration of *GTA Online*, he did offer insight based on Take-Two’s past approach to similar long-running franchises.

Will You Continue to Play GTA Online When GTA 6 Comes Out?

Yes! I'm happy with the original GTA OnlineNo! Time to move on to whatever's nextIt depends (tell us why in the comments!)

Zelnick refrained from commenting directly on *GTA Online*'s future but referenced how Take-Two handled the transition between *NBA 2K Online* and *NBA 2K Online 2* in China. The first version launched in 2012, followed by a sequel version in 2017. Both continued to run simultaneously, allowing players to choose which version to support without losing access to their progress or investment.

"I’m going to speak theoretically only because I’m not going to talk about a particular project when an announcement hasn’t been made,” Zelnick explained. “But generally speaking, we support our properties when consumers are involved with those titles. As an example, we launched NBA 2K Online in China back in 2012, and then NBA 2K Online 2 in 2017. We did not sunset Online 1. They both remain active, serve consumers, and maintain a massive audience. We’ve shown a willingness to support legacy titles when a community wants to engage with them."

This statement offers hope that if a new *GTA Online* does arrive with *GTA 6*, Rockstar may not abandon the existing version immediately. Instead, both versions could coexist for a period, depending on player interest and engagement. If the community stays invested in the current *GTA Online*, Rockstar may well continue to support it accordingly.

Of course, much about *GTA 6* remains unknown. With only the first trailer and a vague release window of fall 2025 officially revealed—and with *Borderlands 4* set for a September 2025 launch—fans will likely expect more concrete information sooner rather than later. In the meantime, Zelnick’s comments provide at least some reassurance for loyal players wondering about the fate of their virtual investments.