REPORT: GTA VI MARKETING FOCUSED STRICTLY ON SINGLE-PLAYER
Take-Two remains silent on GTA Online, while Strauss Zelnick hypes the August 27 Netflix premiere as a "must-see event."
If you were hoping to get a glimpse of the next iteration of GTA Online before launch, you might want to temper your expectations. According to a new report, Rockstar Games is locking its marketing strategy entirely on the core single-player experience of Grand Theft Auto VI.
Note: The information below comes from reliable industry journalist Jason Schreier, who recently shared details from his interview with Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick.
ZERO ONLINE NEWS (FOR NOW)
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jason Schreier confirmed that Take-Two is currently only discussing the single-player portion of the game.
- No Multiplayer at Launch? If this strategy holds true, it is highly likely that the new GTA Online will not launch alongside the base game on November 19, mirroring the staggered release of GTA V's online mode.
- No Microtransactions in Story Mode: Schreier noted that the single-player mode presumably will not feature any recurring revenue models. Take-Two is keeping completely quiet on what the new GTA Online economy will look like.
- Current GTAO Lives On: For those worried about their current empires, Rockstar plans to continue supporting the existing GTA Online even after GTA VI releases.
NETFLIX PREMIERE & SHATTERED FORECASTS
Despite the silence on multiplayer, the hype for the base game is unprecedented. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed some massive details to Schreier regarding the upcoming release:
- Pre-Orders are Breaking Records: Early pre-order numbers have already "vastly" beaten Take-Two's internal forecasts.
- The $80 Price Tag: When asked about the controversial base game price, Zelnick doubled down, stating that calling it an "incredible bargain" is a "gross understatement."
- The Netflix Reveal: The upcoming August 27 extended look will feature a "meaty" look at actual gameplay. Zelnick promises that once the presentation airs, fans will immediately understand why they partnered with Netflix, calling it an absolute "must-see event."
LOOKING AHEAD
Rockstar knows exactly what they are doing by holding back the multiplayer reveal. By focusing purely on Jason and Lucia's story, they are ensuring the single-player narrative gets the spotlight it deserves before the chaos of Online takes over.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Are you disappointed that GTA Online might not launch on day one? And what do you think the "meaty" gameplay on Netflix will finally show us next week?
Drop your thoughts below!
The single-player era returns November 19.
AUGUST 27 IS ALMOST HERE.
DISCUSS IT ON VICEHARBOR.
