Earlier today Rockstar Games announced that they would be shutting down their PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Grand Theft Auto Online. Servies for the consoles will officially shut down on December 16, 2021.
GTA Online for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Will Shut Down on December 16, 2021
Details: https://t.co/JsIRTHxGP9 pic.twitter.com/xn5GbMDkCV
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) June 16, 2021
In a statement posted on its official website, Rockstar detailed why these versions of the game would be shutting down later this year:
As we continue to move forward with updates and support for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC versions of Grand Theft Auto Online — as well as prepare for this Fall’s launches of the new expanded and enhanced versions of Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S — the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of GTA Online, including website stat tracking via the Rockstar Games Social Club, will officially be shutting down on December 16, 2021. In addition, Shark Cash Cards for GTA Online will no longer be sold for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions after September 15, 2021.
Additionally, website stat tracking, online multiplayer, and leader boards for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Max Payne 3 will cease to function as well as website stat tracking for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of L.A. Noire.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game were released eight years ago (2013). The fact that Rockstar Games has kept these versions of the game alive for so long is a testament to the game’s popularity and die-hard fanbase. Grand Theft Auto 5 and Grand Theft Auto Online will be making their way to a third console generation later this year. The enhanced current-gen version of Grand Theft Auto 5 and Grand Theft Auto Online will be playable for Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X on November 11, 2021.
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