The next iteration of Grand Theft Auto Online may be far more than a simple sequel to the current lobby-based experience. According to industry veteran Rich Vogel, whose credits include legendary titles like Ultima Online and Star Wars: The Old Republic, the planned features for GTA 6 suggest a massive shift toward the MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) genre.
While Rockstar Games has been tight-lipped following the game’s recent delay to November 2026, Vogel’s insights suggest the developer is aiming to save a “flailing” Western MMO market by integrating persistent-world mechanics into its flagship franchise.
The FiveM Influence and “Project ROME”
Speculation regarding this shift intensified after Rockstar’s 2023 acquisition of Cfx.re, the team behind the popular FiveM modding platform. FiveM revolutionized GTA 5 by introducing dedicated servers, persistent economies, and complex role-playing (RP) systems that allowed players to hold actual careers as police officers, paramedics, or business owners.
Vogel suggests that Rockstar is now “officializing” this experience. Internal rumors refer to this evolution as “Project ROME,” an initiative to transform the streets of Leonida into a living metaverse. Rather than the chaotic 30-player lobbies of today, the new system is expected to support much higher player counts in a seamless, persistent world where your reputation and assets have long-term consequences.
Planned Features: Beyond the Lobby
While specific features haven’t been officially confirmed, Vogel indicates that the mechanics he has heard about align perfectly with classic MMO architecture. This likely includes:
- Deep Social Systems: Structured guilds (Crews) with more functional hierarchy.
- Persistent Economies: A market influenced by player actions, property ownership, and business management.
- Evolving World: A map that changes over time, with construction projects being completed or areas being destroyed and rebuilt.
The Risk of the “Grind”
Despite the excitement, the shift toward an MMORPG structure has some fans wary. Traditional MMOs are often associated with “grinding” performing repetitive tasks to unlock gear or progression. However, analysts argue that Rockstar is uniquely positioned to avoid this pitfall by blending its signature cinematic storytelling with the freedom of a persistent world.
As one of the most expensive entertainment projects in history, GTA 6 isn’t just a game; it is a decade-long investment. By pivoting toward an MMO model, Rockstar ensures that Vice City remains a “forever home” for millions of players long after the single-player credits roll.