Early design documents for GTA Online reveal that the game initially focused more on role-playing elements, offering players a variety of unique roles.
A new leak GTA OnlineHe revealed the first concept design documents of . This idea, which Rockstar Games started developing in 2001, initially aimed to offer a more role-playing-oriented experience. It was planned to provide players with the opportunity to join different groups, take on unique roles and have a deeper interaction in the game world. However, this concept was not fully realized in the final version released in 2013.
GTA Online Was Originally More Role-Playing Focused
According to the leak, Rockstar initially planned a system for GTA Online where players could join groups and take on different roles. For example, players could play as police and arrest other players, but in return they had to follow strict rules. Those who violated these rules could be dismissed or demoted. Additionally, special meeting points and abilities were planned for players who joined groups such as the mafia or yakuza.
Skills such as theft, unlocking, evaluating stolen goods and selling them would be included in the game. The designs even included situations such as a player asking another player for help with a stolen necklace. However, it was also stated that such interactions are risky and unreliable players can make things more complicated.
These early designs formed the basis for the role-playing servers (such as FiveM) that have become popular today. It is thought that Rockstar may include more role-playing elements and support official RP servers with GTA 6 in the future. Rockstar’s inclusion of mod communities such as FiveM increases expectations in this direction.
GTA Online has constantly evolved since its launch in 2013 and has reached a large player base. But these leaks reveal how the game misses out on the deeper role-playing-focused experience originally planned. Perhaps this vision can be fully realized with GTA 6.