Grand Theft Auto 5: Expanded & Enhanced was rated for the PC right around the same time it was released on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X.
Despite starting out on the good old computer, Rockstar Games has a history of prioritizing console releases over PC ports. The Expanded & Enhanced Edition of Grand Theft Auto 5, released exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X on March 15, 2022, alongside the standalone version of Grand Theft Auto Online, introduced several upgrades and features not available to PC players to this day.
However, recent discoveries suggest that Rockstar might be preparing to close the gap between PC and consoles in the lead-up to the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Observant users noticed that files for the GTA 5: Expanded & Enhanced Edition were accidentally included in the latest Rockstar Games Launcher update for PC.
This strongly indicates that a PC version of the enhanced console port is in development. The leaked image also contains empty config folders for GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 1, hinting that Rockstar may be simultaneously working on PC ports for all three titles.
If the PC receives the same updated version of GTA 5 as the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X, owners of the PS4 and Xbox One versions may gradually see less support. This lines up with the eventual cessation of support for the launch versions — three generations ago!
However, based on Rockstar's track record, GTA Online is likely to remain compatible with these older consoles for the foreseeable future. The developer supported the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions until December 16, 2021, more than 8 years after the game's initial release in October 2013.
These files existing do confirm that a PC port for GTA 5: Expanded & Enhanced is — or was — in active development, however we cannot say for certain when players should expect it to actually launch; nor can we be guaranteed that it will launch at all. Game development can be volatile, and for now we can only hope.
In other news, the past few months have been relatively quiet for Rockstar in terms of official announcements. However, the internet has been abuzz with rumors about a potential delay for GTA 6 and speculation regarding its performance on the PlayStation 5 Pro.
Additionally, a musician recently criticized Rockstar for offering what he considered to be a low-ball offer for song rights. Meanwhile, former GTA technical director Obbe Vermeij continues to share insights on Twitter, recently expressing his thoughts on the potential release timeline for GTA 6.
