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Recent leaks have uncovered fascinating details about Rockstar Games’ early attempts at creating a multiplayer experience for Grand Theft Auto 3. These revelations suggest that the successful GTA Online that launched in 2013 with Grand Theft Auto V may have had its origins in a 2001 project for GTA 3.
The leaked documents provide a look at what could have been a groundbreaking feature for the iconic game, one that would later evolve into the sprawling online multiplayer experience we know today.
The ambitious 2001 project
The leaked files show that Rockstar Games had extensive plans for a multiplayer mode for Grand Theft Auto 3 even before the idea of GTA Online took shape. These plans included character customization, a reputation system, skill-building features, and the ability for players to own properties. Players could engage in various activities, including deathmatches, with points awarded for eliminating opponents, much like the core mechanics of modern GTA Online.
Obbe Vermeij, a former Rockstar developer, confirmed much of this information. He explained that the multiplayer project was explored for a few weeks in 2001, to allow players to control factions, such as law enforcement and organized crime syndicates.
The Sewers: This map features a complex network of tunnels, complete with a hidden bank vault. pic.twitter.com/UgalfNQB2k
— GTA 6 Info (@GTASixInfo) December 26, 2024
A reputation system would have let players accumulate experience points and unlock skills like coding and critical thinking, making it a dynamic and immersive experience. The goal was to create a living, breathing world with opportunities for social interaction, crime syndicates, and property ownership.
Despite the ambitious nature of the project, the multiplayer component for GTA 3 was ultimately canceled. According to Vermeij, while the multiplayer mode’s basic gameplay worked, the project was abandoned due to its complexity and the immense work still required.
Rockstar’s iterative approach to online multiplayer
Although the multiplayer mode for GTA 3 was canceled, Rockstar continued exploring online play, introducing multiplayer in GTA IV in 2008. This set the foundation for GTA V and GTA Online, which became one of the most successful online platforms in gaming.
After canceling the GTA 3 multiplayer, Rockstar attempted a similar project for Vice City but faced difficulties. Instead, they focused on a cooperative mode for San Andreas, which later influenced GTA V and the ongoing expansions of GTA Online.
The leaks surrounding the 2001 GTA 3 multiplayer project have added a layer of intrigue to the development history of GTA Online. The ambitious nature of the plans back in 2001 highlights how Rockstar was ahead of its time, even before online gaming became mainstream. These GTA 6 Leaks continue to fuel excitement and speculation about the franchise’s future direction.
The role of Rockstar Vancouver in the 2001 project
Obbe Vermeij revealed that Rockstar Vancouver (formerly Barking Dog Studios) was brought in to assist with the design of the multiplayer project for GTA 3. Although this collaboration didn’t lead to the development of the mode, Rockstar Vancouver later went on to create Bully, a beloved title that became a cult classic among fans. While the GTA 3 multiplayer project was eventually shelved, the partnership with Rockstar Vancouver would prove to be pivotal for future Rockstar games.
The documents further revealed that basic components, like the deathmatch mode, were in working condition but never fully fleshed out. This early attempt at multiplayer laid the groundwork for what would eventually become GTA Online, a game mode that continues to expand, with new content added regularly.
The future of Grand Theft Auto 6
The recent GTA 6 Leaks have fueled growing excitement and GTA 6 Rumors about what Rockstar has planned for the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series. While official details remain scarce, industry insiders suggest that Rockstar Games is working diligently to meet the high expectations surrounding GTA 6. These GTA 6 Rumors have already generated a lot of buzz, especially in light of the company’s history of evolving its games over time.
For now, fans eagerly await further information about GTA 6, and whether the next chapter of Grand Theft Auto will bring more ambitious multiplayer features to the table. Rockstar’s track record suggests that whatever the company reveals next will continue to push the boundaries of open-world gaming.
