Rockstar Games’ GTA Online has become a massive success since its release in October 2013 as the multiplayer mode of Grand Theft Auto 5. However, a recent leak has shed light on the possibility that GTA Online might have actually been a project dating back to 2001. Design documents for various Grand Theft Auto titles were leaked online on December 25, 2024, and they reportedly included plans for a multiplayer mode for Grand Theft Auto 3.
According to information shared by X user @videotechuk_, a prominent member of the GTA community, the canceled GTA Online 2001 project was envisioned to include features like character customization, a skill system, and the ability to own properties. This early concept of an online multiplayer experience in the Grand Theft Auto universe was groundbreaking for its time.
Obbe Vermeij, a former Technical Director at Rockstar North, also provided insights regarding this leaked project. He mentioned that a basic implementation of a deathmatch for Grand Theft Auto 3’s multiplayer mode was created, where players could score points by eliminating each other. Additionally, Rockstar Vancouver (formerly Barking Dog Studios) was reportedly involved in exploring the design of this ambitious project.
While the GTA Online 2001 project was ultimately shelved, Barking Dog Studios went on to develop Bully, which was released by Rockstar Vancouver in 2006 and garnered a dedicated fan base. Vermeij also revealed that efforts were made to implement multiplayer modes in Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City, but they were eventually scrapped due to the complexities involved. The cooperative mode in Grand Theft Auto San Andreas was a compromise before Rockstar finally introduced online multiplayer with Grand Theft Auto 4 in 2008.
Since then, GTA Online has evolved significantly, with Grand Theft Auto 5 continuing to receive updates and new content to this day. The Agent of Sabotage update is just one example of how Rockstar Games keeps the online multiplayer experience fresh and engaging for players.
It’s fascinating to think about how GTA Online might have looked like if it had been developed back in 2001. While the leaked documents provide a glimpse into this alternate timeline, it’s a testament to Rockstar Games’ creativity and innovation that they were able to bring such a groundbreaking multiplayer experience to life over a decade later.
