Grand Theft Auto Online's latest update sparks controversy by restricting remote business income collection to GTA+ subscribers. The Bottom Dollar Bounties DLC, released June 25th, introduced a bounty hunting business and other content.
Since GTA 5's 2013 launch, Rockstar Games has consistently added businesses (nightclubs, arcades, etc.) to GTA Online. These generate passive income, traditionally requiring players to visit each location individually for collection.
The Bottom Dollar Bounties update simplifies this process, but only for GTA+ subscribers. A new option in the Vinewood Club app allows them to collect earnings remotely. Non-subscribers are excluded from this convenience upgrade.
Remote Income Collection Locked Behind GTA+ Paywall
This move contradicts Rockstar's previous assurances that gameplay features wouldn't be exclusive to GTA+ subscribers. Negative player sentiment, fueled by a recent price increase and this latest restriction, is growing. Concerns are rising that Rockstar may increasingly lock quality-of-life features behind the GTA+ paywall.
This practice raises concerns about the future of GTA Online and, potentially, the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 (launching Fall 2025). The possibility of GTA+ extending to GTA 6's online mode, with an even more prominent role, is a significant worry for many players. The current reception of GTA+ suggests a challenging future for the subscription service.