Grand Theft Auto 6 is already shaping up to be one of gaming’s most ambitious projects, but new information suggests Rockstar might be planning something even bigger for its online component. According to industry veteran Rich Vogel, who has worked on iconic MMORPGs like Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic, GTA 6 Online could evolve into a full-fledged MMORPG experience that redefines what open-world multiplayer games can achieve.
What Industry Insiders Are Saying
Rich Vogel recently revealed that he’s heard about planned features for GTA 6 that belong squarely in the MMORPG genre. While Rockstar hasn’t officially confirmed these details, the speculation aligns with several major moves the company has made in recent years. The most significant was their August 2023 acquisition of Cfx.re, the development team behind FiveM and RedM, two of the most popular roleplay platforms for GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2.
FiveM transformed GTA 5 by introducing dedicated servers that support hundreds of players, persistent economies where in-game actions have lasting consequences, and complex roleplay systems allowing players to take on careers as police officers, paramedics, business owners, and criminals. These features mirror core MMORPG mechanics, suggesting Rockstar sees value in bringing similar systems directly into GTA 6’s official online mode.
Leaked Features Point to MMO-Style Gameplay
According to reports from leaker Fravilys, who claims to have insider knowledge of the project codenamed GTA6MP, the online component is in advanced development with some impressive technical capabilities. The system currently supports 64 players per session, with Rockstar aiming to push that number to 96 at launch. For context, current GTA Online sessions max out at 30 players, meaning the next iteration could more than triple the player count.
The leaked information describes something called “Fluid Access,” a feature designed to eliminate separation between different game sessions. Players would be able to engage in free-roam activities with others across various sessions without ever encountering loading screens or needing to exit their current environment. This seamless connectivity is achieved through server meshing technology that dynamically deploys resources based on player concentration. If many players gather in one location for vehicle mayhem, servers shrink their physical coverage to accommodate the crowd. Less populated areas might only need a single server.
The FiveM Integration Strategy
Rockstar’s relationship with the modding community has been complicated, but their acquisition of Cfx.re marked a significant turning point. The company previously tried to shut down FiveM in 2015, describing it as an unauthorized service that facilitated piracy. They even reportedly sent private investigators after one of the creators. Fast forward to 2023, and Rockstar not only bought the team but is now actively promoting roleplay content.
In September 2025, Rockstar announced a collaboration with NoPixel, one of the most popular GTA RP servers that’s home to major streamers like Pokimane, Valkyrae, and xQc. NoPixel V is being developed in partnership with Rockstar and will launch through the Rockstar Games Launcher. This move strongly suggests that roleplay features will be deeply integrated into GTA 6 Online, possibly as an official game mode rather than a third-party modification.
What Makes This an MMORPG?
Traditional MMORPGs are defined by several key characteristics: persistent online worlds that continue existing whether you’re logged in or not, player-driven economies where supply and demand affect prices, large communities interacting in real-time, and content that expands and evolves over months and years. While GTA 5 Online already incorporates some of these elements, GTA 6 appears positioned to take them much further.
| Feature | Current GTA Online | Rumored GTA 6 Online |
|---|---|---|
| Player Count | 30 players max | 64-96 players per session |
| Session Transitions | Loading screens required | Seamless Fluid Access system |
| Roleplay Features | Unofficial mods only | Official integration with FiveM tech |
| Economy | Basic buy/sell mechanics | Dynamic pricing, player-driven markets |
| World Persistence | Limited property ownership | Evolving map, permanent changes |
Player-Driven Economy and Evolving World
One of the most exciting rumored features is a sophisticated economic system where player actions genuinely matter. Prices for goods and services could fluctuate based on supply and demand, with market crashes and booms occurring naturally. Players might invest in stocks, manipulate markets through coordinated in-game events, or run legitimate businesses that generate passive income. This level of economic complexity mirrors successful MMORPGs like EVE Online, where player-driven economies have created fascinating emergent gameplay for decades.
The game world itself is expected to evolve over time. Buildings could be constructed, neighborhoods might gentrify based on player investment, and regions could see increased police presence or civil unrest depending on crime levels. These permanent changes would make every server feel unique and give weight to player decisions in ways that current GTA Online simply cannot match.
Technical Improvements for Better Experience
Beyond the player count increases, Rockstar is reportedly implementing significant network improvements. The development initially focused on a cloud-first model for reduced latency and better stability, though Google Stadia’s shutdown forced some rethinking of that approach. Even so, players can expect significantly reduced lag compared to current GTA Online sessions, which have long struggled with connection issues and hackers.
The server architecture is being designed to handle activities across multiple sessions simultaneously. You might start a heist mission with friends from different servers without anyone needing to leave their current session. This interconnectivity would make the entire GTA 6 Online experience feel like one massive, living world rather than isolated instances.
What This Means for Players
If these rumors prove accurate, GTA 6 Online won’t just be an evolution of the current formula – it will be a fundamental reimagining of what a multiplayer open-world game can be. The combination of massive player counts, seamless connectivity, deep roleplay systems, and persistent economic consequences could create emergent gameplay moments that rival the best stories from dedicated MMORPGs.
Players who enjoy structured heist missions will still have plenty to do, but those who want to live entirely different lives in Vice City will have unprecedented freedom. You could run a legitimate business during the day and pull off elaborate crimes at night. Join a police force on one roleplay server or lead a criminal empire on another. Manipulate stock markets, invest in real estate, or simply explore a world that genuinely responds to the collective actions of thousands of players.
FAQs About GTA 6 Online MMORPG Features
Will GTA 6 Online actually be an MMORPG?
While industry veteran Rich Vogel has suggested the game includes many MMORPG features, Rockstar hasn’t officially confirmed this. The game will likely blend traditional GTA Online gameplay with persistent world elements, large-scale multiplayer, and roleplay features rather than being a pure MMORPG in the traditional sense.
How many players will GTA 6 Online support per session?
According to leaked information, the current internal build supports 64 players per session, with Rockstar aiming to reach 96 players at launch. This is more than triple the 30-player limit of current GTA Online sessions.
What is Fluid Access in GTA 6 Online?
Fluid Access is a rumored feature that would allow players to join multiplayer activities with people from different sessions without loading screens or leaving their current environment. This technology uses server meshing to create a seamless, interconnected online experience.
Will FiveM roleplay features be included in GTA 6?
Very likely. Rockstar acquired the FiveM development team in 2023 and has since announced partnerships with major roleplay communities like NoPixel. This strongly suggests official roleplay features will be integrated into GTA 6 Online, possibly as a dedicated game mode.
When will GTA 6 Online be released?
GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The online component is expected to launch alongside or shortly after the single-player campaign, though Rockstar hasn’t provided specific timing for online features.
Will GTA 6 Online have a player-driven economy?
Rumors suggest the game will feature a dynamic economy where prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, players can invest in stocks and businesses, and market manipulation through gameplay is possible. This would be significantly more complex than the current GTA Online economy.
How will server meshing technology work in GTA 6?
Server meshing dynamically allocates resources based on player density. When many players gather in one area, servers shrink their coverage zones to accommodate the crowd. Less populated regions use fewer server resources, allowing the system to efficiently support much higher total player counts.
Will my GTA Online progress transfer to GTA 6?
Rockstar hasn’t announced any character or progress transfer systems. Given that GTA 6 Online appears to be a completely rebuilt experience with different mechanics, it’s likely players will start fresh, though returning player bonuses similar to those offered in previous transitions are possible.
Conclusion
The prospect of GTA 6 Online evolving into an MMORPG-style experience represents one of the most exciting developments in multiplayer gaming. With industry veterans hinting at revolutionary features, Rockstar’s strategic acquisitions of roleplay technology, and leaked details about massive technical improvements, the stage is set for something truly special. Whether you’re a longtime GTA fan, an MMORPG enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys emergent multiplayer experiences, GTA 6 Online could deliver the kind of persistent, player-driven world that games have been promising for years. As we approach the May 2026 release date, one thing is certain – Rockstar isn’t just making another GTA game. They’re building what could become the most ambitious online gaming platform ever created.