A massive leak has once again exposed Rockstar Games’ internal plans for its legendary Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise, shedding light on some of the earliest visions for GTA Online and offers a glimpse into content that never made it to the final games. It reveals groundbreaking documents about the early designs for the multiplayer version of GTA, cut content from San Andreas, and even concept plans for Vice City Stories and GTA Advance.
As the gaming community continues to eagerly await GTA 6, slated for release in Fall 2025, this leak has fueled both excitement and nostalgia among fans, further stoking the fire of GTA 6 rumors and GTA 6 leaks circulating online.
The leaks: A detailed look behind the curtain
The leaked documents initially archived on December 17, 2023, were shared as a protest against piracy. User “FrankieLiberty” posted the leak on GTAForums, criticizing “John Doe” for reselling stolen Rockstar content. The leaks revealed design documents for GTA Online, San Andreas, Vice City Stories, and GTA Advance, showcasing Rockstar’s early multiplayer ideas from 2001.
A key find was a 58-page document detailing GTA Online’s original vision. It included plans for character creation, progression, and mission structures, as well as ideas for factions (police, mafia, criminals) and property ownership. Although these concepts later became part of GTA Online, the project was abandoned due to its complexity and lack of development.
Rockstar’s early multiplayer struggles
Early GTA Online plans were ambitious, with Rockstar developers, including Obbe Vermeij, confirming the authenticity of the leaks. Vermeij shared his experience creating a basic multiplayer deathmatch for GTA 3, which he abandoned after realizing it needed more work, highlighting the advanced multiplayer vision Rockstar had at the time.
The leaked documents also reveal details about the game’s features, such as plans for property ownership and faction-based missions resembling the “cops vs. robbers” dynamic. These elements demonstrate that multiplayer gameplay was always a key part of Rockstar’s vision, even before the success of GTA 5’s GTA Online mode.
Cut content from San Andreas and Vice City stories
Significant Vice City stories and cut content from San Andreas were revealed in the leak. San Andreas was initially planned to feature eight girlfriends, two more than the final version. Early designs also included unfulfilled missions and activities. Maps and design notes for Vice City Stories provided a glimpse of potential mission structures, offering insight into what might have influenced the final product.
The inclusion of GTA Advance in the leak is equally fascinating, as it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the handheld version. Documents related to GTA Advance reveal early design ideas and changes that didn’t make it to the final game, giving fans a chance to explore another often overlooked part of the GTA universe.
The broader impact of the leaks
Leaks have sparked renewed interest in the GTA franchise, offering insights into early GTA Online plans and Rockstar’s long history with multiplayer. These revelations fuel anticipation for GTA 6, as many ideas from 2001 may resurface in the new game. However, the leaks also highlight Rockstar’s ongoing challenges in protecting its intellectual property, underscoring the unpredictable nature of game development.
As the gaming community processes the leaks, the big question is how early ideas will shape GTA’s future. With GTA Online a core part of the series, many of these concepts will likely influence GTA 6 and beyond. Fans hope Rockstar will continue to innovate in open-world multiplayer, drawing from past successes and unrealized ideas.
These leaks have reignited excitement for GTA 6, with players eager to see how Rockstar’s early multiplayer vision will come to life in the next game. While much was scrapped, the essence of these ideas has shaped the series’ direction. Growing GTA 6 rumors only fuel anticipation, keeping fans eagerly awaiting updates.
