What Were the Initial Plans for GTA Online?
A new leak has revealed the first concept design documents for GTA Online. The idea, which Rockstar Games began developing in 2001, was initially aimed at providing a more role-playing experience. It was planned to allow players to join different factions, take on unique roles, and interact more deeply with the game world. However, this concept was not fully realized in the final version, which was released in 2013.
GTA Online Was Initially More Role-Playing
According to the leak, Rockstar initially planned a system for GTA Online where players could join factions and take on different roles. For example, players could play as police officers and arrest other players, but in return, they had to follow strict rules. Those who violated these rules could be dismissed or demoted. There were also special meeting points and abilities planned for players who joined factions such as the mafia or yakuza.
The game would feature skills such as stealing, lockpicking, evaluating stolen goods, and selling them. There were even designs for situations where a player would ask another player for help with a stolen necklace. However, it was also stated that such interactions were risky and that unreliable players could make things more complicated.
These early designs formed the basis of today’s popular role-playing servers (like FiveM). It is thought that Rockstar may include more role-playing elements with GTA 6 in the future and support official RP servers. Rockstar’s inclusion of mod communities like FiveM increases expectations in this direction.
GTA Online has been constantly evolving since its launch in 2013 and has reached a large player base. However, these leaks reveal how the game missed the deeper role-playing experience that was originally planned. Perhaps this vision can be fully realized with GTA 6.
