Our editor Patrick Freese is now temporarily turning his back on his favorite game GTA Online. But why?
Normally, a typical article for GTA Online would be structured around the question: What is happening in GTA Online? And currently, I would have to respond: Unfortunately, almost nothing.
- The last “big” update in GTA Online was the opening of the casino, which happened in July 2019
- In December 2019, nearly half a year later, Rockstar Games released the Casino Heist
- Since then, the situation regarding significant new content has been poor
- A few new vehicles were added to the game
- The update everyone is waiting for is still missing
After the release of the casino, I really celebrated GTA Online and played several hundred hours. I logged in daily and played with my friends.
When the content was just starting to become boring, the release of the Casino Heist followed and my motivation was rekindled along with my friends. However, it has been decreasing more and more in recent weeks. Players in GTA Online have now been waiting for about 9 months for content that is as significant as a new heist or a new location.
Right now, GTA Online feels to me like it is in a bridging phase.
That’s why I’m taking a break now
What is announced for GTA? In summer, Rockstar Games announced 2 updates with new content for GTA Online. The first would be smaller, while the second is supposed to be the largest update that GTA Online has ever received. With a new location and a new heist.
Then, on August 11 the new GTA update was released, and I was quite disappointed. A few new cars that do not change the meta, new missions for the yacht that do not suddenly make you rich. I checked out the new content, but it couldn’t keep me afloat until the release of the largest DLC.
This is my problem: I find the world of GTA Online to be totally boring right now. I lack new content that truly brings something. I log in and see the same cars as always. Plus, griefers and glitchers and other annoying player types from GTA Online as opponents. But new, rewarding gameplay is missing.
I now know the Casino Heist inside and out. The new cars that interest me, I already own, have modified them, and have raced with them.
What I miss is simply long-term entertainment. A reason that motivates me to log in daily and play for a few hours. Recently, I only logged in for the podium vehicle – once a day, 5 minutes of effort.
A new heist that you have to dismantle for hours to develop a reliable, good tactic would finally be a goal again. Or a new business that you can earn money with. That would finally provide incentives to want to earn money in GTA Online. Because new content is also associated with high in-game prices.
What I’m looking forward to now
This is what I expect soon: I see the break as a good opportunity to “reset” regarding Los Santos. Because I’m really looking forward to the new DLC, even though little is known. What we do know is:
- The largest update for GTA Online is still coming in 2020
- There will be a new heist
- The new heist takes place “at a completely new location”
I am eagerly waiting to see how Rockstar Games will implement the new location. Will it always be available? A new part of the map? Or just the place where you play the new heist?
Whatever it will be, I believe the new heist will bring fun. The Casino Heist in GTA Online was exactly the variety I wished for. I hope the developers draw from the positive feedback on the Casino Heist and make the next one just as exciting, with various escape routes and the choice of whether to play it loud, stealthy, or with a disguise.
Do you also think that the air is out of GTA Online at the moment, or are you still diligently gaming?
