In a surprising twist amid the endless hype for Grand Theft Auto VI, industry heavyweight Rich Vogel has suggested that the game's online mode might borrow heavily from the MMORPG playbook. Known for his work on classics like Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic, Vogel dropped the bombshell in an interview with Wccftech, fueling speculation about what could become Rockstar's most groundbreaking multiplayer experience yet.
A Developer with Deep MMO Roots
Vogel brings serious credentials to the table. His resume spans decades, including stints at BioWare, id Software (Doom 2016), Amazon Games (New World), and even recent titles like Halo Infinite and Gotham Knights. Speaking on the state of Western MMORPG development, he noted a massive untapped audience craving the next big thing in the genre, citing enduring hits like World of Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls Online.
Then came the GTA bombshell: "If what I have been hearing about GTA 6's features and gameplay is true, it could evolve into an MMORPG, as many of its planned features are typically found in MMORPGs." While he did not spill specifics, the implication is clear: expect deeper progression, persistent worlds, and role-playing depth far beyond traditional GTA Online lobbies.
Building on GTA's Live-Service Legacy
GTA Online has long flirted with MMO territory. Launching as a simple multiplayer tacked onto GTA V, it ballooned into a cash cow with heists, businesses, and a living economy that kept players hooked for over a decade. Rockstar's 2023 acquisition of Cfx.re, creators of the wildly popular FiveM mod, supercharged those vibes. FiveM powers roleplay servers where players live out fantasies as cops, medics, or criminals in massive sessions - often outdrawing official GTA Online on platforms like Steam and Twitch.
Rumors align with this shift. Leaks point to 64-player servers (potentially scaling to 96), seamless "fluid access" between activities, and built-in roleplay tools like professions, custom characters, skill trees, quests, and player economies. Rockstar's recent nod to NoPixel RP creators - "We're excited to support the NoPixel team as they create the future of GTA RP" - hints at official integration. Some even whisper of a Fortnite-style creator economy for user-generated content.
Hype Meets Reality Check
GTA VI faces a November 2026 launch window after delays, with Online likely arriving later - much like its predecessor. Vogel's comments are second-hand rumors, not leaks from Rockstar, who remains tight-lipped beyond trailers teasing Vice City chaos. Still, with FiveM's success (1.4 billion Twitch hours for GTA RP in 2024 alone), the pieces fit.
If true, GTA 6 Online could redefine live-service gaming: a sprawling, player-driven underworld blending crime sprees with epic quests. Rockstar has the tech, the audience, and now the vision. The wait just got a lot more interesting.