'GTA 6' release date update: Game the new 'World of Warcraft'?

Rockstar Games website

Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games have yet to confirm that they are indeed working on "Grand Theft Auto VI." However, it does appear the companies already have plans for the next entry in the franchise. According to a reprot from N4BB, Take-Two Interactive is already calling "GTA VI" the new "World of Warcraft."

The report cites that the developer aims to make the next "Grand Theft Auto" game akin to the popular MMORPG, which means it might be focusing primarily on the online multiplayer aspect instead of a strong single player campaign. 

After all, "World of Warcraft" launched as far back as 2004 and it is still going strong today with well over 6 million active players despite it being over a decade old. The report cites that because the online platform continually receives new content and mods to keep it fresh, it has a potential to extend a game's lifespan.

This philosophy may work on "Grand Theft Auto VI" if it builds a strong online multiplayer community. The online mode for "GTA V" was very rocky when it launched, with numerous server issues and bugs kicking players out of the game, but has since been re-worked into one of the most popular online platforms to date.

Rockstar may be interested in duplicating this success and making it its primary project. Many online games earn high profits due to paid DLC and premium items. Micro-transactions have in fact become quite commonplace in the gaming industry.

However, this may not necessarily mean the single player campaign will be left out entirely. Rockstar is known for creating cinematic experiences with the stories it tells in its video games and it is unlikely it will abandon what it is good at. 

It is important to note that many games with strong multiplayer, such as the "Halo" games, also have solid single player campaigns and it is likely the next "Grand Theft Auto" entry will follow in their footsteps.