Data miners discover references to multiplayer sessions in the PlayStation release build, fuelling speculation that GTA Online’s successor could arrive in 2027.
Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) could feature multiplayer capabilities sooner than expected, as data miners have discovered references to online features in the game’s PlayStation release build.
According to PlayStation Game Size, the latest findings from the PlayStation backend include references such as “joinSession”, “launchActivity” and “launchMultiplayerActivity”. These entries suggest that players could eventually create or join online sessions and launch multiplayer activities.
Although the discovery has generated excitement among fans, it does not confirm that multiplayer will be available when GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026. Instead, the references could indicate that Rockstar is preparing the technical infrastructure for an online mode that will be introduced later.
The timing of the multiplayer release remains uncertain. However, the discovery suggests that Rockstar may already be working on integrating online functionality into the upcoming game.
GTA 6 Online could arrive in 2027
A multiplayer follow-up to GTA 6 could still be several months away, with previous reports suggesting that Rockstar may not introduce a full online experience immediately after the game’s release.
Grand Theft Auto 5 provides an indication of Rockstar’s previous approach. Its online mode, GTA Online, launched approximately two weeks after the single-player game became available.
Similarly, Red Dead Redemption 2 received its online beta roughly one month after its initial release.
However, the company could take a different approach with GTA 6, particularly given the commercial success of GTA Online. The existing multiplayer platform continues to generate significant revenue for Rockstar, making a new online experience an important part of the franchise’s future.
Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier has suggested that fans should not expect an immediate announcement of a sequel to GTA Online. He has also indicated that players may have to wait until 2027 for co-operative missions.
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has also discussed the potential impact of GTA 6 on streaming platforms. He suggested that an online release in 2027 could generate an even bigger increase in viewership.
GTA 6 pre-loads could reveal more details
Rockstar’s multiplayer plans have previously attracted attention following references discovered in employee tribunal material. Discord messages reportedly discussed a 32-player multiplayer test session scheduled for October 2025.
The latest discovery has renewed speculation that Rockstar is developing an online experience alongside the main story featuring Jason and Lucia.
Data miners are now closely monitoring GTA 6 as pre-loads are expected to begin on November 10, initially becoming available in New Zealand at midnight.
As game files become accessible on PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles, additional discoveries could provide more clues about the game’s multiplayer features and Rockstar’s plans for its online launch.
However, the company has not officially announced a release date for GTA 6’s multiplayer mode.