It’s been eight months since the release of Grand Theft Auto V now, and roughly seven and a half months since the launch of GTA Online. Few would question the universal acclaim the game received upon release, and many would point towards the six heists available in the singleplayer as highlights of the game’s experience. With the release of GTA Online coming two weeks after the singleplayer release, millions of fans eagerly waited to hop into more heists with their friends.
October 1st arrived and GTA Online was launched. There were no heists. One week passed. Then one month. Then six. As of May, there are still no heists in GTA Online.
Obviously Rockstar has their reasons for this lengthy delay, but that hasn’t quelled the anger, disappointment and impatience felt by many of their fans. Many, like myself, have patiently waited for the heists to arrive. Others, not so much. Through the waves of both positive and negative responses, Rockstar could at least take away the fact that fans really wanted. Wanted being the key word. However, after eight months, it remains to be seen if the anticipation for heists is still as high as it once was.
In my mind, there is no doubt that heists are still a welcome addition to the online experience of Grand Theft Auto V. One of my biggest issues with GTA Online so far is the difficulty I have in gaining RP and money. Missions only offer so much in the ways of cash and experience, and one can only play ‘Rooftop Rumble’ so many times before growing tired of it all. Yes, there is the option to purchase money from the PS3/Xbox 360 store, but clearly by the continued popularity of RP and money glitches and cheats in GTA Online, most fans don’t feel this is justified. For me, and many others, the main source of entertainment in GTA comes from the sheer insanity and extravagance of flash cars, crazy weapons and copious amounts of mayhem. This entertainment is limited by the fact that it is remarkably tedious to level up and unlock new weapons and vehicles, and even more tedious to earn enough money to spend on these things.
That’s where the heists come in. Potentially, heists will offer players to make thousands, if not millions, of dollars in a few missions in GTA Online. This will likely be coupled with ample amounts of RP, hopefully enabling people to experience the core aspect of what makes GTA, well, GTA. Personally, I feel that the addition of heists will inject new life into GTA Online. That’s not to say that the Online is lacking in activity, far from it. However, heists should lengthen the lifespan of GTA Online for years to come. For all we know, the eight month delay between the launch of GTA Online and the addition of heists may have been intentional for this very reason, however, the real reason behind the delay is still unclear.
Then again, I am just one person with one opinion. To me, the addition of heists will be worth the wait. That’s not to say that everyone will feel that way. There are millions of other fans that play GTA Online, and like myself, they all have their own views on the matter. Many might feel it is too little too late, others might be let down if the heists prove to be lackluster in one form or another.
What are your thoughts? Are you, like me, excited for the heists to come out? Do you feel that Rockstar has somehow cheated you by holding out so long? Let us know in the comments below.