Rockstar has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6's online mode will launch in 2027, arriving after the single-player game's release. The confirmation comes from a deep dive into the game's development published in October 2026, in which journalist Jason Schreier reported on Rockstar's plans for the online component. The studio has kept details about the online mode under wraps as it prioritizes marketing the base game experience.
The decision to delay the online launch reflects Rockstar's strategy of positioning GTA 6 primarily as a single-player title at release. Developers at the studio have refrained from discussing the online component publicly, choosing instead to concentrate promotional efforts on the campaign and story content. This approach mirrors how the company has handled previous Grand Theft Auto releases, where online functionality rolled out separately from the initial launch.
The Online Mode Timeline
While GTA 6 is expected to arrive first, the 2027 online launch may coincide with the game's PC release, which reports suggest could occur in the first quarter of 2027. A simultaneous rollout across platforms could help Rockstar establish a larger player base and foster a robust online community from the outset. This timing would give console players several months with the single-player experience before the online component becomes available.
GTA Online's Continued Success
Rockstar's decision to maintain a separate online mode reflects the ongoing financial performance of the current GTA Online. The existing online platform continues to generate approximately $500 million annually as of 2026, demonstrating its sustained profitability. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, has publicly committed to supporting GTA Online beyond GTA 6's launch, ensuring that the current game remains viable for existing players.
Budget Clarifications
Separately, Rockstar Games studio director Jennifer Kolbe addressed widespread speculation about GTA 6's development costs. She clarified that the game's budget did not reach the frequently cited $1.5 billion figure, a number that had circulated widely in media comparisons to major real-world construction projects. The actual development expenditure remains undisclosed, though Kolbe's statement suggests it fell below that often-repeated estimate.
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