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GTA Online Freemode Events Update And Beyond Will Be PC, Current-Gen Only
If you’re playing Grand Theft Auto Online on PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, you might want to consider moving over to PC or a newer console. While the service will continue to evolve on current-gen and PC, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions are being left behind.
Speaking with Mashable, Rocksatar North director of design Imran Sarwar explains the decision. “We managed to pack in two years’ worth of free updates onto the older platforms, but after the release of Heists we started to run into some very real memory constraints,” he says. “We knew moving forward that the game’s online performance could be in jeopardy if we continued to pile in new content but after some creative programming, we were able to deliver the two-part Ill-Gotten Gains update.”
Sarwar also says that leaving behind the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 opens the door for future updates that take more advantage of the more powerful hardware. This includes the new modes and features coming with the Freemode Events update.
Freemode events occur every 12 minutes, and anyone can participate for RP and cash rewards. This update also includes the Rockstar Editor’s arrival on consoles and related improvements on PC.
New adversary game types include a free-for-all king of the hill mode called King of the Castle, a one-versus-all mode called Hunt the Beast, a Speed-inspired option with rigged-to-explode vehicles called Hunting Pack, and a Red Rover mode Cross the Line that tasks players with busting through the enemy’s defenses. This update arrives on September 15 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
[Source: Mashable]
Our Take
If Grand Theft Auto Online is going to continue and expand, leaving behind last-gen versions makes sense. I expect that other cross-generation living games (like Destiny) will do eventually do the same. Publishers and developers won't let old tech hinder progress forever.
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