In the latest issue of Game Informer, new details for Grand Theft Auto Online have been revealed. Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies also spoke to the publication about the planning for the game, revealing that they to create a world that “consists of everything we’ve done or are going to do then let the player freely move between them.” He also stated that the idea for an online GTA has been in the works since as far back as Grand Theft Auto 3.
“We’ve always wanted to create a world with the complexity of a single-player Grand Theft Auto game with the addition of real players. We wanted a world where people could spend years without getting bored of playing the same content over and over. I think we’ve managed to achieve something very close to our dream.”
Shipping with Grand Theft Auto V and launching on October 1st, GTA Online will have more than 500 missions, which includes a mix of solo missions and team missions. Storywise, it takes place after GTA 5, with players’ motivation being to do “whatever it takes to get more money in the bank”.
The online mode will feature female characters, and characters will even appear in cutscenes when interacting with others. Activities in GTA Online include heists, robberies, hijackings, base jumping and many more seen in GTA V’s single-player campaign. For support, you can have biker gangs back you up – if you play nice with them, that is. There will also be a crew ranking system and personal rank, with starting skills based on chosen lifestyles. The crew leader will also decide on who keeps how much loot when a mission is completed.
Interestingly, you can be killed and robbed, prompting you to only go to the ATM when absolutely necessary. Of course, you can place a bounty on your killer for revenge. You’ll also be able to invite friends over for watching TV, and can invite strippers, enjoy a few drinks and whatnot. There will also be a “dynamic” system for populating GTA Online, and you can either pick everyone single-handedly or let the game decide who’s on your team.
Finally, missions are controlled by the Social Club. This means regular updates and new missions, with Rockstar already promising enough new content for the next year.
Grand Theft Auto V releases on September 17th for Xbox 360 and PS3.