Evolution in technology forces gamers to upgrade or get left behind.
GTA Online is about to become inaccessible to millions of players on PC. In a move that aligns with industry precedents set by Microsoft and Steam, Rockstar Games has declared that, as of January 30, 2024, it will discontinue its support for the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems.
This decision won't affect players on the last generation of consoles or those using newer versions of Windows, but it does mark a significant shift for a large group of players.
The discontinuation of support for these older versions of Windows isn't an isolated event. Microsoft ended updates for Windows 7 back in 2020 and for Windows 8 a year later. Following suit, Steam withdrew its support for Windows 7 last year. The reasoning behind the moves is rooted in the progression of technology and the need to prioritize the support for newer, more secure, and more capable platforms. In fact, Rockstar Games and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, have actually extended support for these older operating systems longer than Microsoft did.
What does this mean for players? For those still wreaking havoc on the streets of Los Santos via desktops using an older Windows 7 or 8 desktop, this announcement is a call to your wallets.
After the deadline, any game accessed through the Rockstar Games Launcher or Steam on outdated systems will face a stark reality that their machines no longer support the said games. This isn't just a matter of uninterrupted gameplay; it's also a question of cybersecurity. Persisting with an unsupported operating system is a considerable security risk, as no updates or patches have been provided for these versions in years.
The statistics prove the scale and the potential impact of the move. As of 2021, over 100 million PCs were still operating on just Windows 7, not to mention those on Windows 8. Even if these numbers have dwindled since then, they suggest that millions could find their access to GTA Online and other Rockstar titles abruptly severed come next year unless they transition to supported operating systems like Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Amidst this looming deadline for PC players, there's speculation surrounding the longevity of support for the current-gen console versions of the game, particularly on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. While there's no explicit indication that support for these platforms will end imminently, and considering their still-large install bases, the trajectory set by Rockstar's recent announcement suggests that their days, too, might be numbered.
As the larger GTA community grapple with the practical implications of this shift, most are eagerly awaiting news about Grand Theft Auto VI. Despite the anticipation, a reveal trailer nor even an official teaser remains elusive.
According to the most recent leaks, GTA 6 is still on track for a 2025 release, with patents hinting at the studio's plans to incorporate lifelike animations that promise to push the boundaries of realism in gaming.
For now, though, the immediate concern for many remains the future accessibility of GTA Online. As Rockstar continues to innovate and look towards the horizon with GTA 6, a significant segment of its player base must consider upgrading their systems or risking being left behind in the virtual streets that have become a second home to millions.
With the January 30, 2024 deadline approaching, the clock is ticking for those on older versions of Windows to ensure their continued place in the expansive, ever-evolving world of Grand Theft Auto Online.
GTA Online's most recent update takes the Halloween celebrations to the next level. For those who have an active GTA+ subscription, Rockstar is upping the incentives by giving away a new free vehicle for this month and letting subscribers access a pair of classic GTA titles.
