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GTA V will survive GameSpy's server shutdown, but Rockstar's older games aren't as lucky
Since GameSpy announced that it was shuttering its online mulitplayer services come May 31st, a few companies have adressed how their respective legacy games would keep functioning in the future. Rockstar Games has recently come out with its two-years-in-the-making solution, and, well, there's a direct relationship between how old a game is and the number of features it'll lose. With last year's Grand Theft Auto V, there's nothing to worry about -- it's business as usual for players as the outfit converts to its own system for hosting online services like multiplayer and progression tracking. Internet play will remain intact for Red Dead Redemption (posse up!) and Grand Theft Auto IV, but online stat-tracking and leaderboards -- and "in-game Social Club services," for the former -- hosted via the Rockstar Social Club won't.
GTA Online starts pushing user-created missions, mobile updates arrive for San Andreas and Chinatown Wars
Ready for a slew of Grand Theft Auto updates? We sure hope so. First up, developer Rockstar Games has put its stamp of approval on ten of the GTA Online community's million-plus custom-match submissions. Because these races and deathmatches -- including a NASCAR-style circuit atop a skyscraper and a melee-weapon prison-yard fight -- are now Rockstar Verified, they're available on both PS3 and Xbox 360, regardless of which platform they originated from. If your magnum opus didn't make the first cut, relax: The outfit says there's more verified missions coming ahead of the multiplayer heists and single player DLC due next year. If you fancy mobile mayhem however, GTA: San Andreas' Grove Street Families arrived on Android late last week. Check the reviews before clicking that buy button though, performance issues and glitches have been noted even on high-end flagships like the Galaxy S4. While San Andreas' appearance on Google's mobile OS may have been tardy (and buggy), it's still MIA on Windows Phone 8 despite the simultaneous release we were expecting. Last but not least, GTA: Chinatown Wars is back on iTunes, and now compatible with iOS 7 and your iPhone 4 or 4s' Retina display -- should you favor a Liberty City built specifically for mobile gameplay to SA's ported faux-SoCal. We've reached out to Rockstar about the Android issues plus a timetable for our WP8 ride with Big Smoke, and will update this post if we hear back. Until then, happy car-jacking.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas available on iOS right now, Android and Windows Phone next week
If you've been jonesing to spend some HD quality-time with Carl Johnson on your iDevice, the wait is over. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is available from iTunes right this moment for $7, and is compatible with most recent iOS gizmos. If you want to roll with Officer Tenpenny on a different mobile platform, Rockstar Games tells us that the promised Android and Windows Phone versions will hit next week. Just remember: What happens in Las Venturas, stays in Las Venturas.
GTA Online's DIY mission tools arrive this week, story DLC and co-op heists due in 2014
Just when we thought we were out, Rockstar Games pulls us back in. GTA Online's latest free content pack brings user-created races and deathmatches into the fray, and the developer says it could be out as soon as tomorrow. Rockstar promises that players can craft two flavors of deathmatch (free-for-all and team-based) and three types of races including standard, GTA Race and a rally variant. Perhaps most tantalizingly, the company's blog post teases "screaming jet dogfights" when mentioning race types. We can only hope that means F-16s and not Franklin's canine companion, Chop. The firm says it will keep an eye on the community creations and promote the cream of the crop via a Rockstar Verified Jobs designation, as well. Rockstar also detailed some of its plans for the future of GTAO and Grand Theft Auto 5. GTAO is getting its own version of capture the flag later this month, and co-op heists are en route for next year; the Houser brothers promise that more info on the former will hit next week. As for GTA5, the outift says it has big plans for "substantial additions" to the single-player story. Now, why did we buy next-gen consoles again?
GTA San Andreas landing in December with enhanced graphics and support for iOS 7 game controllers
For many people, December is a wonderful month full of family and cheer. For others, it's a cold, hellish nightmare of stress. For those readers looking for just a little escape this holiday season, might we suggest the warm sunny streets of San Andreas. Drive along the boardwalk. Meet new and exciting people, and then carjack them. That's right, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is coming to iOS. Rockstar Games has announced the PS2/Xbox classic will be making its iOS debut this December in a newly upgraded mobile release. Featuring remastered graphics, increased draw distance, an enhanced color palette and improved character and car models, Rockstar says this is the best San Andreas has ever looked. And exploring has never been easier thanks to a reworked checkpoint system, that makes for less backtracking when the dangers of San Andreas catch up with you. But wait: There's another layer of gumdrops on Rockstar's gingerbread house of joy, crime sprees and destruction. GTA: San Andreas for iOS will feature a brand-new, contextual touch control option that displays buttons only when you need them. The game also comes with "Made for iOS" controller capability on iOS 7. Android, Kindle and Windows Mobile gamers will also be getting a version of the game. Rockstar will be announcing more details in the coming weeks, including pricing and an official release date.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas coming to Android, iOS and Windows Phone in December
If Grand Theft Auto V left you eager to spend more time in Los Santos, you'll be glad to hear that Rockstar Games is porting Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to mobile devices. Android, iOS and Windows Phone users will get to relive Carl Johnson's early '90s gangster saga this December, with more detailed graphics and touch-optimized controls coming to all platforms. Gamers will also get full controller support, including Made for iOS devices if you're using iOS 7. Rockstar isn't providing release dates and prices just yet, although the imminent launch suggests that we'll get more details in short order.
Grand Theft Auto V's iFruit companion app reaches Windows Phone
Grand Theft Auto V players with Windows Phones have been missing out on the game's iFruit companion app for a full two months, but they're getting their turn today. The newly available port shares the same features we've seen in its Android and iOS counterparts, letting criminal masterminds tune their rides and take care of Franklin's dog Chop. Those eager to visit Los Santos Customs from the comfort of their Lumias can download iFruit now from the Windows Phone Store.
Grand Theft Auto Online players start getting virtual payouts for their troubles
Rockstar promised that it would compensate GTA Online players for their service problems during October, and it's (somewhat belatedly) making good on its word. As expected, the developer has started paying these early adopters $500,000 each in virtual currency to keep them organizing heists and racing cars. All the handouts should wrap up within the next two days, Rockstar estimates. There should also be fewer hiccups in the future -- the company is already rolling out a fix that prevents cloud sync outages from erasing progress. GTAO members aren't entirely out of the woods, but the bonus cash may give them a good reason to stay in Los Santos.
Rockstar: GTA Online title update coming 'as soon as tomorrow' (Update: released for PS3 and Xbox 360)
Rockstar's "around the clock" work addressing the issues surrounding GTA Online could pay off soon. The developer promised that a title update is in the works and may be available "as soon as tomorrow," in an update to yesterday's trouble-shooting post. So if you can hold out just a bit longer, joining up with your buddies for a little group mayhem instead of a staring contest with a loading symbol could be a single sleep away. Or, you know, you could just work on your 100 percent completion of Grand Theft Auto 5 where no connection is needed. It's up to you! Update: Rockstar has updated its news post to say that it's just posted an update that should salve the issues of frustrated PS3 owners. Xbox devotees will need to sit tight, but the company has said that a fix will be coming "later today." Update 2: Rockstar has tweeted that the update is out for Xbox 360 as well.
Rockstar responds to GTA Online issues, is working 'around the clock' to fix things (update)
Unfortunately, as many predicted, the rollout of Grand Theft Auto Online on Tuesday did not go smoothly for many gamers. On launch day many were unable to connect, or connected but couldn't complete the tutorial, or got into the game and ended up losing created characters. Rockstar Games has posted a list of issues players have reported and says the team is working "around the clock" (presumably the members of the team that aren't busy counting that billion dollar haul) on fixes. A problem limited the number of concurrent PSN users has been squashed, and they're working on unblocking users that can't get through the tutorial. For the time being, the team has also disabled the ability to buy ingame cash with real money. If you're one of the players affected, keep an eye on the support page for all the latest updates, or contact Rockstar Support via Twitter or on its website, while general suggestions for the online experience should go to GTAOnline@rockstargames.com. We've had more success logging on in the last few hours, let us know if your online crews are connecting with any success. If they're not, check out Joystiq's early impressions of the multiplayer for a taste of what GTA Online has to offer, when it's working. Update: Patches are out for both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game.
Grand Theft Auto Online update arrives, brings multiplayer to Los Santos
If you're already looking for a more worthy Grand Theft Auto 5 adversary than a computer can generate, here's the dirt: you can now play it online. Whether your battleground of choice is PlayStation Network or Xbox Live, only a "small title update" should be required to get online. Of course, that is assuming the game's servers can handle the load. With over 16.5 million copies already in circulation Day 1 connectivity could land somewhere near the Sim City end of the scale, and Rockstar's Social Club backend has already experienced some strain loading up pictures and stats from the single player edition. Assuming everything goes to plan however, players should be creating their avatars, forming online crime syndicates and visiting each other's houses. The Content Creator tool that will let players design their own heists is one of the features scheduled to launch later this fall, for more details on what is available right away, check out this blog post. Access appears to be open on both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, although we're already seeing reports of connection issues and "Rockstar cloud servers are not available right now" on both sides. Update: Rockstar says it's aware of day one connection issues that its "trying to stabilize ASAP." Joystiq points out some have reported save file issues with their single player game after trying to hop online, so you may want to make a backup save, or just wait for the issues to subside before diving in. Check out the official list of known multiplayer issues here.
You can now turn your iPhone into the iFruit from GTA V
Grand Theft Auto V does a great job of skewering modern tech culture, as well as Apple itself, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the "iFruit" smartphones that are seen in the game. Now, with the help of a handy skin from Mobile Fun, you can turn your iPhone 4, 4s, 5 or 5s into an iFruit too. The covering is pretty basic, with the key changes being the name "iFruit" replacing the "iPhone" moniker on your smartphone's backside, along with the fruit bowl logo. The skin is made of vinyl and retails for a reasonable US$12.99. [via Inventor Spot]
Rockstar reveals new GTA Online details prior to next week's roll out
Ahead of next week's GTA Online launch, developer Rockstar Games took to its blog to outline what to expect come October 1st. The post goes to great lengths to establish that the entire experience is free -- unless you want to buy in-game currency with real money -- and incredibly you-centric. Feedback you provide by emailing or posting on the official forums will help shape the game. Where you spend your time and what you end up doing (Sports! Heists! Chaos!) in San Andreas will affect the direction the developers take with future content and how they tune the overall experience. However, while the entry answers a few questions it also creates some new ones. Specifically, we're curious about the company's use of "roll out" to describe GTA:O's release. An incremental approach is probably best considering the game's current server strains, but we're sure that's not what its some 16.5 million players will want to hear.
GTA 5 companion apps offer custom rides, virtual pooches, interactive maps
Need something to pass the time tonight while waiting for Grand Theft Auto 5? Developer Rockstar Games has you covered with a pair of free companion apps for its latest crime sim. The iFruit mobile app features two distinct portions with direct ties to your virtual criminal career, allowing you to customize your ride and train protagonist Franklin's rottweiler. Los Santos Customs lets you get crazy under the hood and in the body shop, tinkering with your ride until it's just right for either GTA5 or GTA: Online. Treat Franklin's dog Chop well enough in the pet trainer Chop the Dog, and he'll find hidden in-game loot for you. The iFruit app is iOS-only for now, but flavors for Android, Windows Phone and even PlayStation Vita are en route. There's also an e-version of the game's manual, because Rockstar apparently couldn't squeeze the full 100 page-plus tome into print for the retail box. What's more, it features an interactive map, and is available now on the App Store and as a desktop app -- an Android version is "coming soon." Midnight doesn't seem so far away now, does it?
Grand Theft Auto V arrives tomorrow, read Joystiq's review right now!
Despite some early leaks, the vast majority of humans can't pick up Grand Theft Auto V until tomorrow, September 17th. Fortunately for our friends at Joystiq, though, they got to do a dive deep on the latest Rockstar Games flagship in an early review. In traditional GTA fashion, "You can run the streets of a fully-realized world, steal cars, cause chaos and attempt to flee from an extraordinarily irritable police force," Joystiq's Xav de Matos writes. New to the series this time around is heist missions, which task the game's three main characters (all playable) with, well, heisting valuables from a target (think: banks, jewelry stores, et cetera). Though De Matos generally found the game worth his time, it sounds like the narrative beats are once again hampered by poor pacing and underdeveloped, over-the-top characters. "Since GTA V features three main characters with vastly different personalities, your time is split, and the narrative isn't given enough room to resonate," he says. There is of course much, much more to discuss, which you'll find in the Joystiq review, right here. We've also dropped five minutes of gameplay video after the break, should your fires not be stoked enough already.
Grand Theft Auto V pre-orders ship early, Amazon UK learns crime doesn't pay
Amazon could find itself struck off Rockstar Games' Christmas card list after it delivered Grand Theft Auto V preorders to customers in the UK in advance of its September 17th release. Some customers reported receiving shipping notifications over the weekend, with additional reports suggesting the game had made it to some doorsteps as early as Saturday. Games Industry says that the company is already investigating these early sales, although we wouldn't put it past some silent, rogue type like Claude from GTA 3. Microsoft is reportedly banning Xbox Live accounts belonging to those that shared early footage of the game, so if you did receive an early copy, make sure to refrain from sharing your impressive bank heists on social media and video sites until release day.
Grand Theft Auto Online launches October 1st with MMO-like elements (video)
For some, Grand Theft Auto 4's multiplayer mode was a promise unfulfilled -- it had the open environment of a massively multiplayer online game, but none of the genre's persistent content. Rockstar is making amends by unveiling Grand Theft Auto Online, an independent counterpart to GTA5 with a few MMO components. While only 16 players can participate in a given session, they all have permanent stakes in the game world: they can raise cash, buy property and build a reputation that unlocks new gameplay. There are "ambient" events, and gamers can even design custom battles or races to share with others. The new title should also represent a break from Rockstar's usual business model, which emphasizes blockbuster releases with few (if any) updates. Although GTAO will be available for free to GTA5 buyers on October 1st and start off with that game's resources, it should receive a steady stream of new missions and purchases. Ultimately, the two GTA games may have little in common. Rockstar hasn't said whether or not it will charge players for any extras, but we wouldn't be surprised if they carry price tags.
Watch nearly five minutes of Grand Theft Auto 5 gameplay right here
Grand Theft Auto 5 is almost here -- just another month and a half until launch -- and we're just now seeing our first real look at the gameplay therein. Rockstar released a lengthy gameplay trailer this morning, featuring everything from yoga to skydiving; there's of course a generous heaping of fast driving and third-person gunplay. Come to think of it, of all the verbs on display in the trailer, "carjacking" isn't one we saw in action. Which is a little weird considering the game's name, no? Anyway, we expect there'll be plenty of grand theft auto to perform when GTA5 launches on September 17th. For now, enjoy the madness below.
Rockstar shares the Grand Theft Auto soundtracks on iTunes and Spotify
Rockstar, the developers of the very popular Grand Theft Auto series, has kindly set up playlists for every one of the series' radio stations, for use in both iTunes and Spotify. The GTA series is well-known for its music, and when Rockstar ported both GTA3 and GTA: Vice City over to iOS, we were fortunate enough to get the great soundtracks with them. But, of course, you can't always be playing the game, so if you want to listen to the music on your own, you can load one of these up in iTunes, and listen away. Unfortunately, the games' commercials are not available in iTunes. Rockstar has set up a special "Advertising Council" site to let you listen in directly to the hilarious parody commercials from the series instead. And of course this is all done in prelude to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 5, expected sometime later on this year. No word yet if there'll be a Mac (or even an iOS) release for the newest game, but we'll keep an ear open. [via Joystiq]
GTA radio brings its broadcasts to iTunes and Spotify
From Vice to San Andreas and on to Liberty City, Rockstar Games has digitally boxed up playlists for eight of its Grand Theft Auto titles which are now available on Spotify and iTunes. "As a service for all GTA fans" -- and to keep them chomping at the bit for the incoming sequel -- Rockstar has curated over 70 playlists from notable faux stations like Radio Espantoso, The Vibe 98.8 and K-Jah. The games studio was limited by the songs that were currently available, so there's a few omissions from both the streaming service and Apple's music store. Once you've got over that initial disappointment, head to Rockstar's site to sample the last ten years of GTA's drive-time listening.
