On November 11, Rockstar posted a limited-time promotion on their Twitter handle that lets players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S access GTA Online without needing a paid online subscription (no PS Plus or Game Pass Essential required) for the promotional window. This promotion maybe aimed at bringing more players into the online ecosystem, allowing newcomers try the multiplayer experience and long-time players re-engage without the friction of a required platform subscription. The trial window runs through November 17, and it applies to the next-gen versions of GTA Online on those consoles — the enhanced releases made to take the advantage of faster loading, improved visuals, and online features tuned for newer hardware.
Such promotions are commonly used to increase player counts around a new update or to cross-promote the subscription services and special in-game rewards as well. For anyone on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, the main practical requirements are: have the game installed (or download it), sign in on the console, and join GTA Online during the free window. After the promotional period ends, usual subscription requirements or purchase rules will begin to apply depending on the platform and the specific offers Rockstar chooses to run.
How the audience reacted:-
If we look at the comments under Rockstar's post, we see that fans are trolling Rockstar with memes, making fun of this new update, and many people were really angry on this post, while only few people appreciated it. The anger and trolling by the audience are understandable as GTA 5 released in 2013 which is 12 years ago, people have obviously played the online version for the entire time they are not really interested in this trial offer. People are mad of how the Rockstar recently delayed GTA 6 again (explained in my post too - "Grand Theft Auto VI Faces Another Delay!") and now Rockstar is not even showing us the 3rd Trailer of GTA 6. On social platforms (Reddit threads and comments under Rockstar’s posts), users pointed out that GTA 5 Online has been heavily monetized and grind-focused for years, and some accused Rockstar of using temporary "free" offers mainly to drive spending later (through Shark Cards or subscription signups).
Rockstar’s limited-time free access to GTA Online on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S is a straightforward promotional push, but I would say that instead of promoting the game and attracting new audience, they have lost some reputation by providing this offer to audience. What do you guys think of this offer recently provided by Rockstar? Let us know your own opinion on this topic in the comments. Anyway, if you want to sample the next-gen GTA Online without paying for platform subscriptions for a limited time, this is a good chance to jump in, but if you were hoping for fresh GTA VI announcements, this won’t be what you wanted.