Rockstar

In a significant move reshaping the Grand Theft Auto V modding landscape, Take-Two Interactive has issued a shutdown order to alt:V, a popular multiplayer platform for GTA Online. The platform, known as a major alternative to FiveM, will cease operations entirely by July 2026, forcing thousands of players and server owners to migrate or face permanent closure. The End of an Era for alt:VThe alt:V team announced that they have entered a "staged wind-down" agreement with the publisher. The decision stems from Take-Two and Rockstar Games enforcing their Platform License Agreement, which designates FiveM as the only authorized platform for GTA V multiplayer modding. The developers behind alt:V addressed their community with a somber message: Critical Dates for the ShutdownTo facilitate a transition to FiveM, the shutdown will occur in three distinct phases over the coming months: March 2, 2026: The creation of new Community Servers on alt:V will be disabled. May 4, 2026: The public server listing will go offline. Current server owners must log into the Server Manager before this date to retain access to the latest builds during the transition period. July 6, 2026: The platform will become fully inoperable. Any servers that have not migrated to FiveM by this date will be permanently lost. Allegations of Monopolization The shutdown has sparked immediate controversy, particularly following statements from Disquse, a former lead developer for FiveM. Speaking to members of the community, Disquse heavily criticized Rockstar Games and Take-Two, alleging that the move is driven purely by profit and a desire to dismantle competition. While Rockstar acquired Cfx.re (the team behind FiveM) in 2023, allegedly promising improved relations with the modding community, critics argue that the reality has been different. Since alt:V is an independent platform, Rockstar and Take-Two cannot monetize it. In contrast, their ownership of FiveM allows them to generate revenue from the modding ecosystem—a point underscored by FiveM's recent launch of a creator marketplace. Disquse went further, raising concerns about the security of the official platforms, claiming that FiveM and RedM (the Red Dead Redemption 2 equivalent) have become vulnerable to cyberattacks, with RedM allegedly being "left to die." The Future of GTA ModdingThis shutdown solidifies FiveM's monopoly on GTA V roleplay and multiplayer modding. While the alt:V team expressed gratitude to their community for years of support, the forced consolidation raises questions about the future of independent modding projects. For now, server owners on alt:V have a short window to migrate their communities before the platform goes dark for good this summer.

Fans eager for news on the highly anticipated Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake were left wanting this Tuesday following Remedy Entertainment’s latest financial briefing. While the Finnish studio released its Financial Statements for 2025, detailing a profitable fourth quarter, concrete updates on the noir-shooter’s return were notably absent. According to Remedy’s leadership, this silence is by design—but not their own. Rockstar Holds the Keys to Communication During the investor webcast accompanying the financial report, Markus Mäki, stepping in for Remedy leadership, addressed the lack of information head-on. When pressed by an investor for details on the project's status, Mäki revealed that the marketing cadence is entirely out of Remedy's hands. “Unfortunately, the Max Payne communications are all driven by Rockstar, so we are working on it hard but that's all I can say,” Mäki stated during the call. This clarifies a long-standing question for the community: while Remedy is handling the development grunt work, Rockstar Games (the IP holder and publisher) retains strict control over when and how the game is shown to the public. Given Rockstar’s notoriously secretive marketing style, the radio silence is standard procedure, albeit frustrating for fans hoping for a glimpse of the modernized classic. Development Timeline and the GTA Factor Despite the quiet front, development appears to be moving steadily. The financial documents confirmed that the Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake continues to be a primary source of revenue for Remedy during its development phase. The title has reportedly been in "full production" for over 18 months as of February 2026. Based on Remedy’s typical development cycles—which often involve 1 to 2 years of full production followed by extensive beta testing—industry watchers speculate a potential release window around Spring 2027. However, the elephant in the room remains Grand Theft Auto VI. With reports suggesting Rockstar will kick off the marketing campaign for the next GTA installment in the summer of 2026, the publisher is likely strategizing to prevent their titles from cannibalizing each other. It is plausible that Max Payne news is being withheld to keep the lane clear for GTA, or conversely, to serve as a release in a quieter window. Changes at Remedy The financial call also brought news of leadership changes at Remedy. Jean-Charles Gaudechon, a former executive at Electronic Arts, has been appointed as the new CEO. While some fans expressed concern over the shift in leadership, the board emphasized that creative and development decisions remain a collaborative effort, suggesting the Max Payne project should remain unaffected by the corporate restructuring. For now, fans will have to wait for Rockstar to break the silence. The next scheduled business review from Remedy is set for May 5, 2026, though if history is any indication, any major reveals will likely happen on Rockstar’s terms, not a financial call.

The Wild West has officially conquered the small screen. According to new data, the mobile port of Rockstar Games’ classic Red Dead Redemption has surpassed 10 million downloads since its release in December. However, the breakdown of these numbers reveals a stark divide in how mobile gamers are accessing the title. The Netflix EffectData provided by analytics firm Sensor Tower (via The Game Business) indicates that the overwhelming majority of these 10 million downloads come from the version included with a Netflix subscription. The standalone premium version, which carries a hefty price tag of $39.99, has seen significantly less traction. Reports suggest this version has generated approximately $500,000 in revenue, equating to fewer than 20,000 copies sold. This disparity highlights the immense power of value-added subscription services in the mobile market, where high upfront costs for "console-quality" ports often deter casual players. Netflix Co-CEO Gregory Peters addressed the game's performance during a recent earnings call, citing "really positive results" and comparing its trajectory to the previously successful GTA Trilogy titles on the platform. With the GTA Trilogy recently leaving the service, Red Dead Redemption now stands as the flagship Rockstar title for Netflix Games. Franchise MilestonesThe mobile success contributes to an even larger milestone for the series. Take-Two Interactive recently reported that the Red Dead franchise has now sold over 110 million copies worldwide. While Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to be a sales juggernaut—shifting another 3 million units in the last quarter alone—the re-release of the original game on mobile, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S appears to have had a more modest commercial impact outside of the Netflix ecosystem. Based on the 3 million unit growth of the sequel and the total franchise figures, analysts estimate the re-release of the first game has sold fewer than one million units across all platforms since December. A Polished PortDespite the lopsided sales figures, the mobile port itself has been well-received. Following its launch, where it topped Apple App Store charts in the US within 24 hours, the game has received several updates to iron out performance issues and polish the experience for touch controls. As the lines between console and mobile gaming continue to blur, Red Dead Redemption serves as a case study for the industry: players are eager for AAA experiences on their phones, provided the barrier to entry is low. For more on the history behind the game, check out Professor Tore C. Olsson’s book, "Red Dead's History," which explores the real-world events that inspired the franchise.

Despite its absence from the recent Nintendo Direct, fresh insider reports claim that a port of Red Dead Redemption 2 for the Nintendo Switch 2 is still on track for release later this year. According to a report from RockstarINTEL, renowned industry insider NateTheHate has reaffirmed that the critically acclaimed western title is slated for the new hybrid console in 2026. The Rumor Mill Churns After Nintendo DirectThe speculation resurfaced following Nintendo’s latest Direct presentation on Thursday, February 5, 2026. While the event showcased major third-party titles like Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, Rockstar Games was notably absent. This led some fans to question the status of the long-rumored port. However, historical trends suggest this absence isn't cause for alarm. Rockstar Games rarely utilizes partner showcases like Nintendo Directs to unveil major announcements, typically preferring their own channels or occasionally partnering with PlayStation for "State of Play" events. Reliable Sources Weigh InFollowing the Direct, NateTheHate took to X (formerly Twitter) to address fan concerns. Responding to inquiries about the project's status, he stated that to the best of his knowledge, the Red Dead Redemption 2 port is still scheduled for a 2026 release. NateTheHate has built a reputation for accuracy in the industry. Previously, when Rockstar announced a re-release of the original Red Dead Redemption late last year, he clarified that the move did not negate the development of the sequel's port for Nintendo's next-generation hardware. The "GTA VI" FactorWhile the insider consensus leans toward a release, not everyone is entirely convinced about the timing. Reece "KIWITALKZ" Reilly, who claims to have spoken with eight developers at Rockstar regarding the new version, expressed skepticism about the release window. Reilly points out a potential marketing conflict: with the massive promotional campaign for Grand Theft Auto VI expected to ramp up in the summer ahead of its November launch, a Red Dead Redemption 2 port risks being drowned out by the hype. Looking AheadDespite the potential for a crowded release calendar, the prevailing belief among insiders is that the port remains "on the cards" for 2026. The strategic logic suggests Rockstar would aim to release the title on the Switch 2 before the GTA VI juggernaut consumes the industry's attention in late November. As with all rumors, fans will have to wait for official confirmation from Rockstar Games or Nintendo. But for now, hope remains high that Arthur Morgan’s journey will soon be playable on the go on Nintendo's powerful new system.

The latest cycle of GTA+ benefits is officially live, bringing a fresh wave of rewards for subscribers on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Running from February 5 through March 4, 2026, "Month 47" offers a mix of high-value vehicle perks, useful business bonuses, and exclusive cosmetic items. Here is a complete breakdown of everything GTA+ members can claim this month. The Free Vehicle: Dewbauchee Champion The headline reward for February is the Dewbauchee Champion. Normally priced at $3,750,000 at Legendary Motorsport, this Super class car is free for members this month. How to Claim: Visit The Vinewood Car Club to claim the vehicle. It will be marked as "FREE" for subscribers. Performance Note: The Champion is eligible for Imani Tech upgrades (like the Missile Lock-On Jammer), making it a top-tier choice for driving in public lobbies. Early Access Vehicles One of the major perks of the Vinewood Car Club is early access to vehicles before they are released to the general public. This month features several exclusives: Grotti Itali Classic: Available for purchase and test drive before its non-member release. New Additions: The text also highlights early access to the Declasse Tampa GT and Annis Minimus. Test Drive Rotation: In addition to the exclusives, members can test drive (and buy at a 20% discount) the Truffade Thrax and Übermacht Niobe. Bonuses and Payouts If you are looking to grind cash and reputation this month, the bonuses are focused on the Agency and the LS Car Meet: 2x GTA$ and RP on Security Contracts. 2x LS Car Meet Reputation on Drift Races. Discounts This month is an excellent time to expand your empire if you haven't already set up Dr. Dre's contract or need a specialized vehicle workshop: 50% Off Agencies: This includes the base property as well as all upgrades and renovations. Free Clothing and Cosmetics Members can refresh their wardrobe and vehicle aesthetics with the following login rewards: Clothing: The LS Golf Club Varsity Jacket is free for all members. Chameleon Paints: Unlock the Pink Prismatic Pearl Chameleon paint for both Body and Wheels. Claiming: Visit any Auto Shop or Vehicle Workshop and look for the "Chameleon" color group. Permanent GTA+ Benefits In addition to the monthly rotation, the standard suite of GTA+ perks remains active: Monthly Cash: A distinct GTA$500,000 deposit. The Vinewood Club App: Manage business staff (Hangar, Warehouse, Bail Office) and claim earnings remotely from your in-game phone. Parking & Storage: Access to the 100-car Vinewood Club Garage and 5 extra aircraft slots. Games Library: Access to titles like Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire, Bully, and the GTA Trilogy: Definitive Edition. Other Perks: 2x Lucky Wheel Spins every 24 hours. Free Vehicle Requests and Taxi Fast Travel. Gun Van always visible on the map with boosted discounts. 15% extra GTA$ on Shark Card purchases. Availability: These rewards are available starting February 5, 2026, and will expire on March 4, 2026. Make sure to log in and claim your free car and cosmetics before the month rolls over.

Love is in the air in Los Santos, but so is chaos. This week’s GTA Online update kicks off the Valentine’s festivities with a brand-new Adversary Mode, a fresh vehicle for the masses, and a host of romantic (and lucrative) bonuses. Running from February 5th through February 11th, here is everything you need to know about the latest changes in Southern San Andreas. New Content: Deadline Duet & The Pfister Astrale The headline addition this week is a twist on a fan-favorite mode. Deadline Duet is a new Adversary Mode now available to play, and to sweeten the deal, Rockstar is offering 3x GTA$ and RP on the mode all week long. For car collectors, the Pfister Astrale—previously exclusive to GTA+ members—is now available for everyone to purchase. You can pick it up from Legendary Motorsport for $1,475,500. Meanwhile, GTA+ members get early access to the Grotti Itali Classic a full month before its general release. Valentine’s Day Event The season of romance brings unique rewards: Log-in Bonus: Play anytime between now and Feb 18 to unlock the Valentines Onesie. Free Drinks: Enjoy free Champagne at all Nightclubs. Random Event: Keep an eye out for the "Valentine's Cheater" event on the streets of Los Santos, involving a man tied to a telephone pole. Bonuses & RewardsMake money fast with these multipliers: 3x GTA$ & RP on Deadline Duet (through Feb 18) 4x GTA$ on Associate and Bodyguard Salaries (through Feb 18) 2x GTA$ & RP on Short Trips 2x GTA$ & RP on Community Race Series 2x GTA$, RP & Research Progress on Bunker Research Missions 2x Production Speed on Meth Labs Weekly Challenge: Win two Adversary Modes to earn a GTA$100,000 bonus. Discounts Save big on vehicles, properties, and gear: 50% Off: Valentine's Clothing Nagasaki Shotaro 40% Off: Meth Lab Properties and Upgrades 30% Off: Benefactor Vorschlaghammer Emperor ETR1 Gallivanter Baller ST-D HVY Vetir Karin Futo GTX Nagasaki Weaponized Dinghy Överflöd Autarch Pfister Comet S2 Truffade Nero Vulcar Warrener HKR Western Company Rogue Western Powersurge Vehicle Rotations Podium Vehicle: Invetero Coquette D1 (Spin the Lucky Wheel at the Casino) Prize Ride: Übermacht Rhinehart (Win a LS Car Meet Series race) Premium Test Ride: Maibatsu MonstroCiti (PS5/Xbox Series X/S/PC Enhanced) Salvage Yard Robberies: Grotti Furia (Cargo Ship), Classique Broadway (McTony), Bravado Greenwood (Gangbanger) Gun Van Inventory Highlights include 30% off the Service Carbine and discounts on the Combat Shotgun, RPG, and Marksman Pistol (with deeper discounts for GTA+ members). Jump in now to take advantage of the triple rewards on the new mode and prepare your empire for a romantic, money-making week.

With the release of Grand Theft Auto VI rapidly approaching, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has offered a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can expect from the game's promotional rollout, promising a marketing campaign that will be nothing short of "astonishing." Following Take-Two’s Q3 2026 earnings report this week, Zelnick appeared on CNBC’s Mad Money with Jim Cramer to discuss the future of the highly anticipated title. While the developer, Rockstar Games, has remained characteristically tight-lipped following the release of previous trailers, Zelnick confirmed that the silence is about to break in a major way starting this summer. "Not Selling Hamburgers"During the interview, Zelnick emphasized that marketing a cultural juggernaut like GTA VI requires a unique touch. He described the upcoming strategy as "delicate," noting that the company aims for the game to feel "authentically owned" by its audience rather than just another commercial product. "It is a challenge," Zelnick admitted. "The marketing has to be delicate. It has to feel like this is real. We're not selling hamburgers. We're selling this unique art form." Despite this careful approach, Zelnick assured investors and fans that the company is not "sitting back." In a call with investors, he described the teams behind the game as being in "the business of eating red meat for breakfast," signaling an aggressive and energetic push in the coming months. "You’ll be pretty astonished by the creativity that Rockstar's marketing team brings to consumers in the coming months," Zelnick stated, confirming that major marketing beats are scheduled to begin in earnest this summer. Sticking the Landing: November 19 Release Perhaps the most critical piece of information for fans was Zelnick’s unwavering confidence in the release window. When pressed by host Jim Cramer on whether the previously announced November release date was still viable, Zelnick was precise, specifically citing November 19, 2026. When asked how he could be so sure the game would be ready, Zelnick explained that the executive team monitors development progress daily, leaving little room for ambiguity regarding the timeline. The "Greatest Entertainment Vehicle of All Time"The hype surrounding the title was palpable during the segment, with Jim Cramer referring to GTA VI as the "greatest entertainment vehicle of all time"—a sentiment Zelnick readily agreed with. For a game of this magnitude, the "less is more" strategy has worked for Rockstar in the past, but as the November 19 launch draws closer, it appears the studio is ready to shift gears. If Zelnick’s comments are any indication, the world is about to see a marketing blitz that matches the unprecedented scale of the game itself. Fans should keep their eyes peeled this summer; the quiet period is officially coming to an end.

With Grand Theft Auto VI now officially slated for November 2026, a major question has been looming over the community: What happens to the Los Santos we’ve called home for the last 12 years? According to a new report from RockstarINTEL, Take-Two Interactive has given the answer fans were hoping for. The current iteration of GTA Online isn't going anywhere. "Every Reason to Continue"During Take-Two’s Q3 2026 earnings call on Tuesday, CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the future of the standalone online behemoth. When asked by an investor if support for the GTA V-based online mode would persist after the sequel's release, Zelnick was optimistic. "I have every reason to believe we'll continue to support GTA Online," Zelnick stated. "There's a great community that loves it, that stays engaged. And, again, in this quarter, Rockstar has shown that when you deliver great additional content, despite how long GTA Online has been in the market, people show up." Powered by "Stellar" EngagementThe decision to keep the servers running isn't just sentimental; it’s financial. Take-Two revealed that the recent GTA Online update, "A Safehouse in the Hills," drove "stellar player engagement" and contributed significantly to the company's bottom line. In fact, GTA Online led the company's recurrent consumer spending growth of 27% this quarter. Additionally, active subscribers for the GTA+ service have doubled compared to this time last year, proving that the 2013 title still has massive momentum in 2026. A Home for EveryoneThis confirmation is particularly good news for players who may not be making the jump to GTA VI on day one. With the sequel launching on current-gen consoles, millions of players on older hardware—as well as PC gamers who traditionally have to wait for a port—will still have a supported, active world to play in. While Rockstar has yet to officially detail the online component for GTA VI, it is clear they are adopting a strategy of coexistence rather than replacement. Whether you are moving to Vice City in November or staying in Los Santos, Rockstar intends to keep you playing.

Physical media collectors can breathe a sigh of relief. Despite swirling rumors that Grand Theft Auto VI might launch as a digital-only title or see its disc release delayed, Take-Two Interactive has set the record straight: physical copies are part of the plan for 2026. According to a report from RockstarINTEL, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the speculation directly during a recent PR blitz following the company’s Q3 2026 earnings call. The Rumor Mill: A Delayed Disc Launch?The clarification comes in response to claims made last week by a leaker known as "Graczdari," who has previously accurately leaked information regarding Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Sonic Racing. The leaker alleged that while GTA VI would launch in November 2026, the physical discs would be delayed by several weeks, potentially pushing the retail release into early 2027. In an industry where digital-only launches are becoming increasingly common for AAA titles, the rumor gained traction quickly among fans worried about preserving their physical collections. "Not the Plan"However, speaking in an interview with Variety, Zelnick shut down the notion of a staggered release. When asked if the physical version would be pushed to 2027, Zelnick stated firmly that it is “not the plan.” While the wording leaves a tiny sliver of ambiguity regarding the exact day of release compared to digital, it effectively debunks the rumor of a significant delay into the following year. What’s Next?With the release date now set for November 19, 2026, and marketing confirmed to ramp up this summer, fans won't have to wait long for the final details. The upcoming marketing beats—likely including the opening of pre-orders—will be the definitive confirmation of disc availability, pricing, and the inevitable Collector’s Editions. For now, it appears the physical disc is safe, and players will be able to hold GTA VI in their hands when it launches later this year.

The wait for Grand Theft Auto VI just got a little longer, but the promotional machine is finally warming up. According to a new report from RockstarINTEL, parent company Take-Two Interactive has confirmed that the highly anticipated title has been pushed back from its projected Spring 2026 window. However, CEO Strauss Zelnick offered a silver lining for eager fans: a major marketing campaign is set to kick off this summer. The New Release Date: November 19, 2026During Take-Two’s Q3 2026 quarterly earnings presentation, the company revealed that GTA VI—previously expected to launch on May 26, 2026—has been delayed. The new target release date is November 19, 2026. While delays are often a source of frustration in the gaming community, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed high confidence in the new schedule. In an interview cited by the report, Zelnick stated he "feels great" about the November date. Marketing Ramps Up This Summer Perhaps the most surprising takeaway from the earnings call was Zelnick’s direct commentary on the game's marketing roadmap. Historically, Take-Two leaves specific marketing announcements to its publishing labels (in this case, Rockstar Games). However, breaking from tradition, Zelnick confirmed that fans won’t have to stay in the dark much longer. "We've got marketing beats coming this summer," Zelnick said, acknowledging that his direct confirmation is "a huge departure from what I usually say." This suggests that while the game itself is delayed, the summer of 2026 will likely be filled with trailers, deep dives, and feature reveals to build hype leading into the holiday launch. The Juggernaut Continues The earnings call also highlighted exactly why the stakes are so high for GTA VI. Rockstar’s back catalog continues to perform at unprecedented levels: Grand Theft Auto V has now surpassed 225 million copies sold. Red Dead Redemption 2 has reached 82 million copies, closing in on becoming the third best-selling game of all time. The GTA series as a whole has moved nearly 465 million units worldwide. What This Means for FansWhile the delay to November adds another six months to the wait, the promise of a summer marketing blitz means the "silence" from Rockstar is about to break. If Zelnick’s comments hold true, we can expect a steady stream of official content starting in just a few months, turning the long wait into a season of speculation and analysis. Stay tuned for more updates as the summer marketing cycle begins.

Red Dead Online players, it is time to dust off your metal detectors and shine your shovels. The February 2026 monthly event has arrived, and it is squarely focused on the Collector role. Running from February 3rd through March 2nd, this month offers a treasure trove of bonuses, returning clothing, and discounts designed to help you complete your collections and your wardrobe. Whether you are a seasoned collector or looking to pick up the bag for the first time, here is everything you need to know about the latest update. Big Bonuses for Collectors and MercenariesThe highlight of this month is the massive boost to Collector payouts. If you have been hoarding complete sets, now is the time to sell. 2X RDO$, Role XP, and XP on all Collector Set Sales. 3X Role XP just for discovering Collectibles. For those who prefer a bit more action with their exploration, the benefits extend beyond just digging for arrowheads: 3X RDO$ and XP on Salvage and Condor Egg Free Roam Events. 3X RDO$, Gold, and XP on Blood Money Opportunities. 3X RDO$ and XP on the Featured Series. Unlock the Full Nosalida OutfitThis month features a unique opportunity to assemble the complete Nosalida outfit by completing various challenges throughout the month. Nosalida Sombrero: Log in while Rank 20 or higher. Nosalida Coat: Log in as a Level 20 Collector. Nosalida Boots and Half Chaps: Complete a Blood Money Opportunity. Nosalida Pants: Play the Salvage Free Roam Event. Nosalida Vest: Play the Condor Egg Free Roam Event. Nosalida Shirt and Neckerchief: Complete all Collector Daily Challenges. Weekly Rewards Rotation In addition to the month-long goals, players can earn specific rewards during each week of the event: Feb 3 – 9: Collect a Fossil to receive a free pair of Boots. Feb 10 – 16: Log in to receive the pink Cardozo Vest. Feb 17 – 23: Win a match in the Featured Series to get a West Hill Haven Treasure Map. Feb 24 – Mar 2: Discover two Collectibles to earn 40% off an Established or Distinguished Collector Role Item. Featured Series CalendarThe competitive schedule for the month is set, with a heavy emphasis on racing for the latter half of February. Feb 3 – 9: Hardcore Team Shootout Series Feb 10 – 16: Race Series Feb 17 – 23: Race Series Feb 24 – Mar 2: Race Series Discounts and SalesIf you haven't started the Collector role yet, the barrier to entry is significantly lower this month with 5 Gold Bars off the Collector's Bag. 50% Off: Collector's Maps Metal Detector Pennington Field Shovel Águila Machete 40% Off: Rifles and Rifle Style Customization Corsets, Pants, and Chaps Bandanas 30% Off: Collector Role Outfits Criollo and Missouri Fox Trotter Horses Free: Fast Travel Fees (All month long) Community Outfit and Returning ClothingFashion-forward outlaws will be pleased to see the return of several limited-time items, including the Chambliss Coat, Eberhart Coat, Vaquero Baroque Spurs, and the Raccoon Hat. Finally, this month's Community-Inspired Outfit, created by user Thelastoftes, is available to claim for free. It features the Drifter Hat, Shotgun Coat, and Opulent Vest, offering a rugged look perfect for a roaming collector.

Even with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI looming on the horizon, its predecessor refuses to fade into obscurity. According to a 2025 streaming report by analytics firm Stream Hatchet, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) was the second most watched game across all live streaming platforms last year, reaffirming its status as a cultural phenomenon more than a decade after its initial release. The Numbers GameIn 2025, GTA V accumulated over 1.9 billion hours of watch time across platforms like Twitch and YouTube. While this figure represents a slight 5% dip compared to 2024, it is a staggering achievement for a title of its age. The drop is largely attributed to the previous year's massive 21.3% growth spike and the shifting attention toward the upcoming GTA VI, expected to launch in late 2025. The top spot for the year was reclaimed by League of Legends (LoL), which saw a 4% increase in viewership to reach 1.95 billion hours. However, the competition remains fierce at the top; LoL’s 2025 performance, while enough to secure first place, still fell short of the 2 billion hours GTA V achieved in 2024. Both titans sit comfortably ahead of the rest of the pack, with third-place Counter-Strike 2 trailing significantly at 1.28 billion hours. Dominating the Genre GTA V’s influence on the Action/Adventure genre is nothing short of monopolistic. The genre as a whole recorded 3.8 billion hours watched in 2025, meaning GTA V alone was responsible for 50% of all viewership in this category. Much of this longevity is fueled by the vibrant role-playing (RP) community, which continues to thrive primarily on Twitch. Interestingly, the streaming landscape itself saw shifts in 2025, with Twitch losing 8.3% of its market share while competitor Kick gained 6.7%. Despite these platform wars, overall live streaming consumption grew by 6% year-over-year. A Split Future?The release of GTA VI in late 2025 presents an interesting dilemma for the franchise's viewership stats. Analysts predict a fragmentation of the audience, with many players and viewers sticking to the established RP servers of GTA V while others migrate to the new title. Because GTA VI is slated for a November release, it will have little time to impact the 2025 charts significantly, especially since the initial hype will likely drive players to play the game rather than watch streams. Active Player BaseBeyond viewership, the game’s player base remains robust. Data from Ampere Analysis reveals that in May 2025 alone, over 19 million people played GTA V or GTA Online on Xbox and PlayStation consoles (excluding PC). This made it the third most played title by monthly active users for that month, dwarfing other Rockstar hits like Red Dead Redemption 2, which had 4 million active players in the same period. As 2025 proves, GTA V is not just a game; it is a persistent digital platform that continues to command the attention of millions, even as the next chapter of the saga prepares to begin.

For nearly three decades, Final Fantasy Tactics has sat on the strategy RPG throne, often imitated but rarely equaled. With the release of The Ivalice Chronicles late last year, Square Enix has finally brought Ramza Beoulve’s war-torn journey to modern hardware. After spending 60+ hours with the game (and another 10 tinkering with the "Classic" mode), I can confidently say this is the definitive way to play the masterpiece—though it comes with a few baffling omissions that keep it from absolute perfection. The Presentation: A Painting Come to Life The standout feature of The Ivalice Chronicles is the dual-mode presentation. Enhanced Mode: This is the default modernization. The character sprites have been smoothed, which I initially feared would look like a cheap mobile filter. Surprisingly, it works. The game applies a subtle "canvas" texture to the world, making the environments look like hand-painted dioramas. The spell effects are gorgeous, retaining their punchy PS1 feel but with modern particle lighting. Classic Mode: For purists, this mode emulates the CRT scanlines and original pixel sharpness of the 1997 release, but renders it at a crisp 4K. It’s a love letter to the original hardware. The audio, however, is the real headline. The script—based on the War of the Lions translation—is now fully voiced. The performances are incredible, grounding the Shakespearean drama in genuine emotion. Hearing Ramza (voiced by Shinnosuke Tachibana in JP, and an excellent English equivalent) and Delita verbally spar adds a layer of tragedy that text boxes simply couldn't convey. The re-orchestrated soundtrack by Hitoshi Sakimoto remains sweeping and majestic, sounding better than ever. Gameplay & Quality of Life The core gameplay remains the addictive, job-changing chess match we all love, but the friction has been sanded down. UI Overhaul: The new user interface is a godsend. You can finally see the turn order dynamically on the left side of the screen (no more guessing when the enemy Lancer will jump!). Camera Controls: Full 360-degree rotation is smooth and responsive, eliminating those awkward "hidden behind a wall" movement errors. Speed Up: The "Fast Forward" toggle is essential for grinding Job Points, making the mid-game slog breeze by. The new "Tactical" difficulty is no joke. It remixes enemy compositions and improves their AI. I watched an enemy Archer explicitly target my White Mage to bait my Knight out of position—it was brutal and brilliant. The Controversy: Where are the Lions? The elephant in the room is the content omission. The Ivalice Chronicles is largely based on the original PS1 release, not the PSP's War of the Lions. Missing Content: The Dark Knight and Onion Knight jobs are absent in the base game. Balthier and Luso are also missing. The "Purist" Defense: Square Enix has stated they wanted to balance the game around the original 1997 vision (hence why the genji equipment stealing exploit is back!). The Fix: Thankfully, if you are on PC, the modding community has already added these jobs back in, but console players on Switch 2 and PS5 are left with the "vanilla" job roster. It’s a disappointing choice for a package labeled "Chronicles." The Verdict: 9/10FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles is a triumph of preservation and modernization. The story of class warfare, religious conspiracy, and lost history feels more relevant today than it did in 1997. While the exclusion of the War of the Lions bonus content is a stinging negative, the quality-of-life improvements, voice acting, and beautiful visual update make this the best version of the best strategy RPG ever made. Pros: Gripping, mature story elevated by stellar voice acting. "Tactical" difficulty breathes new life into the combat. Quality of life features (Turn Order, Speed Up) respect your time. Beautiful "diorama" visual style. Cons: Missing War of the Lions content (Dark Knight, Onion Knight, extra characters). Some graphical smoothing on sprites might annoy pixel-art purists.