Grand Theft Auto Online's latest update sparks controversy by restricting remote business income collection to GTA+ subscribers. The Bottom Dollar Bounties update, released June 25th, introduced a bounty hunting business, missions, vehicles, and more.
Since GTA 5's 2013 launch, Rockstar Games has consistently expanded GTA Online with content updates featuring purchasable businesses (nightclubs, arcades, etc.). These businesses generate passive income, traditionally requiring players to visit each location individually for collection – a tedious process for relatively small returns.
The Bottom Dollar Bounties update offers a convenient solution: remote income collection via the Vinewood Club app. However, this feature is exclusively available to GTA+ subscribers. Non-subscribers are locked out of this quality-of-life improvement.
GTA+ Exclusivity Fuels Player Backlash
This move contradicts Rockstar's earlier assurances against making gameplay features exclusive to GTA+ subscribers. Negative sentiment surrounding the service, amplified by a recent price increase, has intensified with this latest development. Players worry this sets a precedent for future updates, potentially leveraging GTA+ to enhance its value proposition at the expense of non-subscribers.
Concerns for GTA 6's Online Future
This situation raises concerns about the future of GTA 6's online component, slated for a Fall 2025 release. While details remain scarce, the current trajectory of GTA Online suggests a potential, and potentially expanded, role for GTA+ in GTA 6's online mode. The reception to this possibility remains uncertain, but the current dissatisfaction with GTA+ suggests a challenging path ahead for Rockstar.
