The studio behind Grand Theft Auto has done some housecleaning ahead of a highly anticipated trailer for the next game in the franchise. As spotted by X user @videotechuk_ on Twitter, all references to the Social Club platform have been scrubbed from the company’s website. Instead, much of the functionality has been integrated into the leading site, and subscribers are now referred to simply as ‘Rockstar Games members.’
It seems the Social Club service is being put to rest in favor of a more straightforward solution, though that has yet to be entirely clear. The change is reminiscent of how Steam has been changing its username system, whereby you can change your name if it’s not unique enough to find on the platform. In the case of the Social Club, this is a more drastic move and reflects a more serious intent to streamline services.
As for the online gaming service itself, it’s also missing the old logo now and has been replaced with a generic version that looks more like the site’s other major games. The new logo also lacks a white background but is still recognizable as an official Rockstar Games product. That said, the service has not changed, as users can still engage in multiplayer elements and accrue member-exclusive rewards from games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA V.
The changes may be in preparation for unveiling the first GTA 6 trailer, which Sam Houser, co-founder, announced would come out in early December. The trailer is expected to reveal details on the new title and its online features but is likely just a teaser for what’s to come.
As a side note, there’s been some confusion over a glitch in the latest GTA V update preventing players from connecting to the game via Social Club. The issue was a bug with the program and could be resolved by simply changing your username on the site. While that fix was a temporary solution, what will happen now and what the company has in store for GTA’s future must be clarified.
Social Club, which launched alongside the console release of Grand Theft Auto IV in 2009, served as a central hub for various games from the publisher. It allowed gamers to connect and interact with each other, share in-game achievements, and see stats for multiple titles in a single location. The service was used for the GTA above IV, Bully, Max Payne 3, and other titles.
It’s unclear why Rockstar has opted to streamline these features, though changing your username probably wouldn’t have hurt. But regardless, it’s an intriguing development and a possible sign that the studio is readying itself for a big reveal on GTA 6. Stay tuned to RockstarINTEL for all the latest news as we approach the December unveiling.
