2018 was a big year for Grand Theft Auto 5 and Online. While looking at our DLC history timeline will show that the past year offered less new content than usual, the game hit some major milestones. Now that we're in the new year, it's time to discuss hopes, predictions and speculation for GTA in 2019.
While the past year wasn't a heavy hitter in terms of content, other accomplishments were achieved. Namely, near the tail end of 2018 we finally crossed the much anticipated 100 million copies sold mark.
dditionally, Rockstar's war on cheats and hacks in GTA Online produced some tangible results. Cheating, in general, is down and a number of hack distributors have been taken to court.
Red Dead Redemption 2's impact on gaming this year was felt in GTA Online as well. This year's marked decrease in DLC, especially during the Fall months, can be attributed to the major focus Rockstar directed at finishing their newest blockbuster. Players could also partake in a pair of crossover events (detailed further below) to unlock content in both games.
Now that RDR2 is out the door, more capacity has been freed up for developing new GTA Online content. Here are a few things we hope will happen and one thing we're certain won't.
We know for a fact that GTA Online is going to be supported with further content for the foreseeable future.
We certainly hope that there will be more of it in 2019 than there was in 2018. We don't just mean the weekly drip-feed — though that too sort of dried up in the weeks around RDR2's launch — but proper big releases. We had Arena War and After Hours this year, plus the smaller Southern San Andreas Super Sport Series.
Depending on just how much longer Rockstar intends to pump content in GTA Online, it may be high time for a map expansion. Arena War made clever use of space in that the arena itself is instanced and not part of the overworld, but takes place in a building already present yet not used. However, sooner or later some DLC ideas might just not fit San Andreas as it is now.
The two promo events, which allowed players to find a golden revolver and stone hatchet were fun little nods to GTA's sister-series.
More such events which allow players to unlock content in both games would be welcome, even for players who don't play Red Dead Online. It would allow Rockstar to smuggle some more Wild West themed items like weapons and apparel into GTA Online. Maybe even a ridable horse could be added at some point.
Don't hold your breath for this one, and certainly don't believe any clickbait articles that keep stating the same inconclusive rumors on repeat. When there's any legitimate news, you'll see the bigger publications onto it first, not some minor site.
