You’ve surely heard of the Grand Theft Auto series? Well if that’s the case, you’d be well aware that Grand Theft Auto 5 isn’t on the XBox One or the PlayStation 4 yet. What about the inevitable PC edition too?
Well wait no more , as Rockstar recently announced that Grand Theft Auto V is coming to the PlayStation 4, XBox One and PC! The next-generation console release dates are set to the same date, 18 November 2014, while the PC release date is set for 27 January 2015. Queue the fanfares and the cheering all around, but wait: the PC version is going to be released in 2015 whereas the PS4 and XBox One versions will be out before? What’s the reason for the extra hold-up for guys?
It’s a reasonable compromise as Rockstar aren’t going to just give us a sloppy port from console to PC, where you effectively still need a controller to be able to play it. They’re going to be reworking Grand Theft Auto V to allow a better experience over on the PC.
Because cool guys don’t look at explosions!
To sweeten the deal for all of the fans buying the game on one of the new platforms, there is a lot of new content which, according to their official post, is:
To add to this, they have also enhanced the radio selection so you can now cruise around in Grand Theft Auto V in your cars and blast out over a hundred new sounds over seventeen radio stations.
Well unfortunately for you, the new versions aren’t upgradeable so you would have to buy it separately as far as we’re aware. However, if you’ve already got Grand Theft Auto V and have at least completed the prologue on PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 while connected to the PlayStation Network or Xbox Live, you will get access to some exclusive content -but you’ll need to be a member of the Rockstar Games Social Club. Some of the content contains rare versions of classic cars, new activities and more.
Existing players can choose to transfer their current Grand Theft Auto characters and progression to their choice of either the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One or the PC. It’s not a bad deal but as previously mentioned, you will need to buy the game on one of the new platforms before you can do this.
Rare classic cars are available to be unlocked and driven around to your hearts desire.
Some people have spoken about Gamestop stores allowing you to trade in your older version to get some money off one of the new releases, but don’t hold me to that. It seems likely and I know shops like this have done similar schemes before. Furthermore if you were to pre-order Grand Theft Auto V for one of the new platforms you will be given $1,000,000 in-game currency. Sorry guys, not real money. It’s split evenly ($500,000 each) between your game and your Grand Theft Auto Online account.
Whilst there’s going to be more wait time for those who have been dying to get their hands on these ports for Grand Theft Auto V, think of it as an example of Rockstar investing in their games. As I previously mentioned, these won’t just be a simple port of the game, but a complete re-mastery to take on the power and capabilities of its new systems. This means there is going to be a major update to the graphics and even to the technology behind the games, promising to make the game even more immersive for all of us!
DISCLAIMER: 1001-Up.com does not advocate jumping out of moving biplanes.
Another major update we can all expect is to Grand Theft Auto Online, where they are going to be making many enhancements to allow a more interactive environment. There is going to be an increased player count which will allow up to thirty on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One at any one time. Rockstar have also promised all existing gameplay upgrades and Rockstar-created content released since the launch of Grand Theft Auto Online will also be available for the PS4, Xbox One and PC with much more to come.
I feel they’ve handled this very well. The developer seems to be smart enough to know that yes: they do need to look after their existing player-base, so they give the existing players some exclusive content. In return though, they’re also offers of more stuff if they were to transfer their characters over to a newer system. Rockstar will likely be looking to support these newer systems more since that’s the way the market is shifting (understandably). They also seem to be aware that just porting the title wouldn’t be enough for the PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers out there. The improved graphics and improved technical aspects alone are a great indicator that they are looking to extend the life of the game as well as looking after their fanbase.
What a ferocious looking car – but even more ferocious… that cat!
What did you think of Rockstar’s announcement of the release dates for Grand Theft Auto V on newer platforms? Do you have any experiences of playing GTA V that you want to share with us all? What do you think about the fact you have to buy the game again? Is the exclusive content just to keep people happy or is it reasonable in your eyes?
As always, let us know what you think of all this in the comments below!
