GTA 5 DLC: Some parts have been integrated into GTA Online, the Online mode being a “cash cow” at the origin of its cancellation

While Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) is no small game, it seems like we could have gotten a lot more outside of the main story mode if GTA Online hadn’t exploded in popularity. This is something that former Rockstar developer Joseph Rubino recently revealed, as well as the reason why GTA 5’s DLC plans were scrapped.

In a video interview, Rubino, who worked as a Senior Camera Artist and Virtual Cinematographer for Rockstar from 2010 to 2016, explained that the reason the planned DLC for GTA 5 was scrapped was because GTA Online had been so successful that Rockstar doubted the DLC could compete with it. “When GTA Online came out, it was such a cash cow and people loved it so much that it was hard to make the case that a standalone DLC could top it,” Rubino explained.

The former Rockstar developer adds: “In hindsight, I would say we probably could have done both, you know, but it was a business decision that they made and I was a little upset about that.”

Of course, all is not lost, as Rubino also confirmed that parts of the DLC have made it into GTA Online, saying: “A lot of that content (GTA 5 DLC) has made it into, I believe, later versions of GTA Online though, so it’s not like they wasted it.”

While we may never see the GTA 5 DLC release, we do know what it is. Just a few months ago, Steven Ogg, the actor who played Treovr Philips in GTQA 5, confirmed that he had filmed “a few elements” for the game’s DLC that would have continued the character’s adventures, albeit as a secret agent for the FBI. You can find out more details about it in this Steamily video.

When it comes to GTA Online, Rockstar has been releasing some major free updates for the game, and some of them even included new story missions. For example, players received the Bottom Dollar Bounties patch last month, which brought new missions, vehicles, and more.

As for the next game in the hit franchise, Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release in fall 2025.

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