Rockstar Games, developers of GTA Online, have recently announced various enhancements made to the game on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. These updates are set to increase the speed of vehicles and will be released later in 2021. The information shared on Rockstar's Twitter has raised concerns among players regarding speed improvements on Windows and other platforms. The tweet suggests that specific vehicles will be upgraded for increased speed, along with other features.
Even though Rockstar has promised to provide more details on the upcoming updates, no further information has been released yet. Fans have already speculated that cars on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms will outperform those on other platforms. This has sparked worries about the disparity between owners of next-gen consoles and players on other systems. Despite the concerns, GTA Online remains a paid game, requiring players to purchase GTA V to access the new version. This has led to criticism from many players who feel it is unfair to receive different treatment from the developers. However, it is too early to judge Rockstar before more information is shared. It is possible that Rockstar is focusing on developing upcoming versions, ensuring that the Xbox One version will also run at the same speed.
Currently, it is unclear whether the new update for next-gen consoles will be free of charge. Even players who have already purchased GTA 5 with GTA Online on Xbox One and PS4 might need to pay for the upgrade. While players may still be able to play at the same speed on new consoles without the improved cars.
Earlier this summer, Rockstar announced plans to release a standalone GTA Online game, expected to launch in the second half of 2021. The new version is said to be free for all PS5 players for three months following the launch, after which players may have to pay. It is unknown whether the upgraded cars will be retained after this initial period. Fans are eagerly awaiting further details from Rockstar.