Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games business and news from across the web.
Games Inbox: Giving up consoles because of PS5 going digital-onlyReaders discuss Sony's potential shift to an all-digital PlayStation 5, with concerns about game ownership, pricing, and accessibility for those with poor internet. Some readers are considering switching to PC or Nintendo, while others see digital as a convenient and inevitable evolution, provided consumer rights are protected.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Studio Confirms Physical Release Will Include Disc in the BoxHalo Studios has confirmed that the physical release of Halo: Campaign Evolved will include a disc, addressing fan concerns following Rockstar Games' decision to omit discs from Grand Theft Auto 6. The game will also feature a robust Machinima mode, replacing a traditional photo mode, and will be optimized for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and handheld systems like the Steam Deck.
GTA Online Beginner’s GuideThis beginner's guide to Grand Theft Auto Online offers advice for new players on how to get started in Rockstar's multiplayer sandbox. It covers character creation, completing the tutorial, understanding in-game currencies like GTA$ and RP, and strategies for earning money and investing in businesses. The guide also recommends essential vehicles and weapons, emphasizes the importance of snacks and armor, and explains different session types and how to avoid griefers.
GTA Online Doesn’t Tell You These Things, But It ShouldThis guide offers tips and tricks for Grand Theft Auto Online that are not explicitly explained by Rockstar Games. It covers strategies for maximizing income through businesses and passive income streams, the importance of snacks as health packs, and the value of armored vehicles over fast cars. The article also highlights that many businesses can be managed in invite-only sessions and encourages players to utilize weekly bonuses and in-game services.
Relax, PC Gamers: We're not getting GTA 6 on November 19, but we've got, um... 'Phantom Vice Auto'…This article humorously discusses the lack of a PC release date for Grand Theft Auto 6, contrasting it with the fictional 'Phantom Vice Auto' which is set to launch on PC the same day. The author sarcastically praises Phantom Vice Auto's simplistic features and low-quality trailer, highlighting the perceived shortcomings compared to Rockstar's standards.- GTA6 devs accuse Rockstar of crunch and pay inequity, Spanish Ubisoft devs go on strikeDevelopers at Rockstar Games have accused the studio of crunch, pay inequity, and using legal loopholes to bypass UK labor laws, amidst the development of Grand Theft Auto VI. Meanwhile, Ubisoft Barcelona developers in Spain have gone on strike over restructuring and job losses, demanding better working conditions and job security. A new fund has also been established to financially assist game developers who have lost their jobs.
Rockstar devs allege crunch is so common at the GTA 6 studio that it's "built into" contracts and you…Rockstar Games developers are alleging that crunch is so common it's built into employment contracts, allowing the company to bypass UK labor regulations. Developers seeking union recognition also claim there is a culture of unequal pay and inconsistent bonuses. As Grand Theft Auto 6 nears its release, crunch reportedly varies by team, with some employees experiencing it continuously.
Expert says GTA 6 pre-orders are a big target for scammers — warns 'scammers don’t need to break into Rockstar or hack the game' to steal your detailsExperts are warning that Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are a prime target for scammers, who can exploit player excitement without needing to hack Rockstar Games directly. Scammers are creating fake pre-order websites, offering fraudulent gift cards, and even targeting gamers through social media platforms like Discord to steal personal and account information.
Game preservation expert says stop killing games if you don't want piracy, because companies like PlayStation and Rockstar "refuse to offer a meaningful alternative"Game preservation expert Frank Cifaldi argues that companies like Sony and Rockstar Games are contributing to piracy by refusing to offer alternatives to digital-only or soon-to-be-discontinued physical game formats. Cifaldi, director of the Video Game History Foundation, stated that piracy is currently the only effective form of game preservation due to industry practices.
GTA Online Celebrates Independence Day With Huge Rewards, Free Bunker And Massive DiscountsGrand Theft Auto Online is celebrating Independence Day with a major in-game event featuring a free Bunker property, free weapons, patriotic cosmetics, and significant discounts on various items and vehicles. Players can also earn triple rewards on several activities and take advantage of the final opportunities for the Fine Art Collector Program bonuses before July 13th.
Creator-distributed discount codes drive massive uptake of game storefronts, according to new Tebex dataNew data from Tebex reveals that creator-distributed discount codes significantly boost game storefronts, with over 80% of players using these codes being new to the platform. While these codes increase average basket value, their impact is heavily concentrated among a small percentage of top-tier creators, who drive the vast majority of gross merchandise value.
Millie Bobby Brown is hyped for GTA 6 even though she never does crimesActress Millie Bobby Brown expressed her excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6, calling the series a 'passion' despite her tendency to play games by strictly following rules, such as stopping at red lights. She admitted to playing Grand Theft Auto 5 in a manner akin to The Sims, a habit her husband has teased her about. The article also touches on the potential for celebrity cameos in future Rockstar Games titles.
Rockstar developers seek union recognition and accuse studio of crunch and poor compensationThe Rockstar Game Workers Union has requested voluntary recognition from the studio, citing issues with pay transparency, crunch, and compensation. This follows legal disputes where Rockstar was accused of union busting. Workers report inconsistent bonuses, difficulty with promotions, and mandated crunch, with the company also reverting on flexible work promises.
Rockstar UK employees say the GTA 6 developer's still plagued by gender pay gaps, crunch, and vague bonuses which make them 'as pliable as possible to their boss's whims'Employees at Rockstar Games' UK studios report ongoing issues with gender pay gaps, opaque bonus structures, and normalized crunch, despite the studio's work on Grand Theft Auto 6. Union members anonymously shared concerns about a lack of transparency and inconsistent compensation policies, with efforts made to inform staff about their rights regarding working hours.
Next Xbox, Project Helix, Will Reportedly Not Have a Disc DriveReports indicate the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will be a discless model, eliminating support for physical media. This follows PlayStation's announcement of ending physical disc production in 2028 and Rockstar Games' confirmation of no disc version for Grand Theft Auto VI. The move raises significant concerns for game preservation and the physical game market, with figures like Frank Cifaldi of the Video Game History Foundation highlighting the challenges for archiving digital-only content.
Union raises concerns over gender pay gaps, bonus management, and crunch at RockstarMembers of the Rockstar Game Workers Union have voiced concerns about potential gender pay gaps, inconsistent bonus management, and contractual overtime requirements that facilitate crunch. The union is seeking voluntary recognition from Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, which stated it fosters a culture of teamwork and kindness and values open dialogue. Employees highlighted issues with the discretionary and often subjective bonus system, a widening gender pay gap, and contract clauses that opt employees out of UK Working Time Regulations, potentially leading to excessive overtime.
Where to pre-order GTA 6 in Australia: bundles, discounts, and how to find pre-load friendly delivery timesPre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 are now available in Australia for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with pre-load beginning November 12 ahead of the November 19 release. Both Standard and Ultimate Editions are offered, with the Ultimate Edition exclusively available digitally. Retailers like Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, and EB Games are listed as options, with some offering bundles. Pre-ordering grants access to the Vintage Vice City Pack, with the Ultimate Edition including additional in-game content.
Sony’s digital-only plans are awful and the PS5 refund system is the worst partSony's plan to transition to digital-only PlayStation 5 games is criticized for eliminating game ownership and exacerbating its restrictive refund policy. The article argues this move, coordinated with titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, prioritizes publisher profits over consumer rights and may alienate players.
PlayStation Announcing the End of Physical Game Releases Resulted in Rise in Stock PricesSony Interactive Entertainment announced it will cease physical game releases for PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, a move that has coincided with a rise in its stock price. This transition aligns with market trends favoring digital purchases and the popularity of disc-less consoles like the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. Analysts suggest this decision will also influence future console designs, potentially reducing manufacturing costs for the PlayStation 6.
This Week In Games Was Bad, But Next Week May Be WorseThe gaming industry experienced a particularly bleak week with multiple significant layoffs, studio closures, and price increases. Microsoft's Xbox division saw widespread job cuts, while Sony announced plans to end physical disc production for PlayStation games by 2028. These events, coupled with delays and the ongoing impact of AI discussions, paint a grim picture for the industry's immediate future.