Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand Theft Auto Online is a persistent, open world online multiplayer video game developed by Rock star North and published by Rock star Games. It was released on 1 October 2013 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and was released on 18 November 2014 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with a Microsoft Windows version on 14 April 2015. The game is the online multiplayer mode for Grand Theft Auto V. Set within the fictional state of San Andrea based on Southern California, Grand Theft Auto Online allows up to 30 players to explore the open world and engage in cooperative or competitive game matches. The open world design lets players freely roam San Andrea, which includes open countryside and the fictional city of Los Santos based on Los Angeles.

Grand Theft Auto Online

Developed in tandem with the single-player mode, Grand Theft Auto Online was conceived as a separate experience, to be played in a continually evolving world. At release, it received generally positive reviews, with praise particularly directed at the scope and open-ended game play. Critics were polarized by the widespread technical issues at launch, which resulted in the inability to play missions, and loss of character data. It won divided year-end accolades, ranging from Biggest Disappointment to Best Multiplayer, from several gaming publications. The game also receives frequent updates, which are available for free.

Game play

Developed in tandem with Grand Theft Auto V, Grand Theft Auto Online was conceived as a separate experience to be played in a continually evolving world.Up to 30 players freely roam across a re-creation of the single-player world and enter lobbies to complete jobs story-driven competitive and cooperative modes. The Content Creator tool set lets players create their own parameters for custom jobs, like racetracks and death match weapon spawn points.Players may band together in organised player teams called crews to complete jobs together. Rock star Games Social Club extends crews formed in Max Payne 3‍‍ '​‍s multiplayer mode to that of Grand Theft Auto Online. Players can create their own crews and join up to five total. Crews win multiplayer matches to earn experience points and climb online leader boards.

In Grand Theft Auto Online, players create a new character specific to the online world, which shows on the screen's Switch Wheel alongside single-player characters Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. The player-characters are designed by a genetics-related process. Greater control is given to the character's clothes and hairstyles. The mute player-character online avatar arrives in Los Santos by plane and is picked up by Lamar Davis, who gives the character a gun and a car. The player earns money by playing and can unlock more guns and missions. An hour-long tutorial introduces the player to the various game modes, driving, fighting, and game progression mechanics. The story is not central in the multiplayer, though characters from the single-player are woven in.

Aside from the open world, there are three main types of set activities: racing by car, bike, air or boat, Deathwatch team or free-for-all, and objective-based Missions simplified single-player-like missions, usually cooperative. Online uses lock-on aim and emphasizes stealth in firefights. Leveling up lets players buy more guns and cars and unlocks more activities, such as parachuting and aircraft. Once unlocked, items need to be purchased with in-game currency, which can be earned or purchased with real money. Money can also be used to buy car customization. Players can circumvent an activity's level requirements by joining a game with others of a sufficient rank. There are options to play alone or with friends, and an option for "Passive Mode", which makes the player immune to other players.

The game includes a content creation tool that lets players make automobile races and deathwatches. Players.Players can choose the location, start and spawn points, and weapon and vehicle drops in deathwatches, and the location, route, race type, and player count in air, land, or sea races. Creations have to be tested against computer-controlled players before the mode is available online. The creations can also be published for others to use. Rock star tags what they deem to be the best as "Rock star Verified".