Grand Theft Auto V has been a colossal success for Rockstar. Released back in 2013, the fifth mainline GTA installment won acclaim for thrusting the franchise into a new generation of single-player, open-world gaming, expanding the series while remaining true to what made its predecessors so critically and commercially successful. Rockstar currently presides over some of gaming’s most acclaimed and valuable properties — ones that continue to inspire other companies’ games — but Grand Theft Auto remains their crowning flagship IP.
The real success of GTA V, however, has arguably been GTA Online, the game’s multiplayer mode which started out as a mere extension of the base game but has grown into a massively popular and frequently updated live service platform, in which players can race, explore, compete and perform heists to rise up the ranks in the world of organized crime. As live-service and subscription models have exploded in popularity across various forms of media, it comes as little surprise that Rockstar has doubled down on the formula to introduce paid subscription service, GTA+.
GTA+ is Rockstar’s new VIP subscription service that offers a host of benefits to subscribers who already own a copy of either GTA V or GTA Online. Launching March 29, GTA+ will only be available for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 players. This unfortunately leaves those still stuck with a PS4 or Xbox One out in the dust.
In a similar vein to Fortnite Crew, Epic Games’ more expensive monthly subscription comes a plethora of benefits only available to fully paid-up members — benefits that will vary on a month-by-month basis as the game is continually updated. Currently touted features include access to exclusive items, cars, weapons and upgrades, as well as special discounts, cash bonuses and even exclusive real estate. The first month of GTA+, for instance, gives access to an exclusive supercar, a free upgrade to the Aquarius Super Yacht and some exclusive clothing added to the player’s wardrobe, as well as a host of other perks, discounts and exclusive items.
The main incentive to join, however, is the $500,000 in digital currency that players will receive monthly into their GTA Online bank accounts. Actually purchasing $500,000 via a Shark Card would set one back $10 in real-life currency. Therefore, this in-game currency could be the main allure for players who make a habit of frequent purchases online.
Better yet, GTA+ members will also have the exclusive ability to purchase upgraded and deluxe Shark Cards at the PlayStation or Microsoft stores. These cards, essentially a form of microtransaction wherein players can pay real-life cash for large amounts of in-game currency, were readily available long before the launch of GTA+. Subscribers to the service, however, can purchase member-only cards that come with additional cash as standard.
It’s worth noting that members will keep access to their bonus items, be they clothes, vehicles or properties, even after they have annulled their subscriptions. Any future benefits will halt once payment is canceled though, of course. As for Rockstar’s regular GTA Online events, these will, according to the company’s official website, “continue as normal for all players.”
There are, of course, drawbacks to be considered. No PC version of the service has been announced yet, making it exclusive to consoles, while PS4 and Xbox One owners may be irked to find access restricted to those customers with the more up-to-date consoles. Considering bonuses will vary from week to week, there is also a chance of getting a host of content that one doesn’t especially want or need, a blow slightly softened by the guarantee of a monthly $500,000 to spend however one sees fit.
The cross-platform, live-service multiplayer model has become staggeringly popular in the last few years. Still, not many games have taken the full plunge in giving players a fully paid subscription option to match. With Fortnite leading the way and with GTA a massively influential brand in the market, Rockstar may be joined by a host of studios looking to ensure player loyalty and a consistent revenue stream, via the alluring pull of an exclusive subscription service.
