Grand Theft Auto Online's recent Bottom Dollar Bounties update has sparked controversy among players due to a new feature tied to the GTA+ subscription service. This update, released June 25th, introduced a bounty hunting business, along with new missions and vehicles. A key element of this update, however, is the ability to remotely collect passive income from owned businesses – a feature exclusively available to GTA+ subscribers.
Since GTA 5's 2013 launch, Rockstar Games has consistently expanded GTA Online with purchasable businesses (nightclubs, arcades, etc.), each generating passive income. Previously, players had to manually collect this income from each business, a tedious process. The Bottom Dollar Bounties update streamlined this, allowing GTA+ members to collect earnings conveniently through the Vinewood Club app. Non-subscribers, however, are left with the older, less efficient method.
This decision contradicts Rockstar's past assurances that gameplay features wouldn't be exclusive to GTA+ subscribers. The move follows recent price increases for the subscription and has fueled negative player sentiment. Concerns are rising that Rockstar may leverage this strategy in future updates, further incentivizing GTA+ subscriptions.
The implications extend beyond GTA 5. The upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 (slated for fall 2025) remains shrouded in mystery, particularly its online component. However, GTA Online's current trajectory suggests a potential expansion of GTA+'s role in GTA 6's online mode. The reception to this possibility remains uncertain, but the current negative perception of GTA+ presents a significant challenge for Rockstar.
