If you can’t get enough of Grand Theft Auto, game developer Rockstar Games has a deal for you. The game developer just launched GTA+, a new membership program for GTA online for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. For $5.99 a month, GTA players enjoy a host of exclusive benefits including a recurring monthly GTA $500,000 direct deposit to their Maze Bank account, the chance to claim properties in and around Los Santos that unlock gameplay updates players might have villsed, special vehicle upgrades, clothing, discounts, GTA$ and RPA bonuses and more. Nonmembers can still play without subscribing.

Extras for members who sign up by April 27

Members who sign up between March 29 and April 27 get additional perks, including:

• GTA$500,000 delivered automatically to a player’s Maze Bank account
• The Principe Deveste Eight, along with a complimentary Hao’s Special Works upgrade before it’s made available to the general public, plus the HSW Orange Trip and HSW CMYK Glitch Liveries
• RockStar games says the Auto Shop located in La Mesa introduces an assortment of gameplay updates from Los Santos Tuners. Current Auto Shop owners can relocate to La Mesa for free.
• Waived LS Car Meet Membership fees. Current LS Car Meet members with GTA+ will be reimbursed GTA$50,000 during this event period.
• Yacht owners can upgrade to the Aquarius Super Yacht for free.
• Gussét Frog Tee and Broker Prolaps Basketball Top and Shorts automatically added to your wardrobe
• Conveyor Livery for the Mammoth Avenger, HVY APC, and TM-02 Khanjali
• A selection of free paints and emblems for the Auto Shop
• 3X GTA$ and RP on Hao’s Special Works Race Series
• 2X Car Meet Rep on the Street Race Series

Other membership perks include special GTA+ Shark Cards for extra bonus cash from the PlayStation Store on PS5 or Microsoft Store, and exclusive monthly rewards available at Legendary Motorsport, Hao’s Special Works, Maze Bank Foreclosures, and DockTease

The fine print

Players who want to purchase a GTA+ membership must have a copy of Grand Theft Auto V or Grand Theft Auto Online, plus a platform account with a valid payment method. An internet connection is also required to play the game online and to utilize GTA+ membership benefits. The membership is automatically renewable. Members will be charged a subscription fee of $5.99 a month until canceled, but there is no obligation and members can cancel at any time. At launch, GTA+ is only available for PS5 and Xbox Series S|X players. It is not currently available for other systems or PC. The terms and conditions for GTA+ spell out the rest of the fine print.

Players not impressed

Rockstar Games made their announcement of GTA+ for GTA Online on Twitter on March 25, and comments by players of the game were mixed. Some said they just want the next version of the game (GTA 6), others said ‘don’t buy it if you don’t like it,’ and other players feel like a subscription for an old game just doesn’t make sense.

Here is a sampling of the thousands of comments.

Insider Take

We get it. Not everyone loves subscriptions or memberships, especially after they’ve already paid for a digital or physical game. Many GTA players are disappointed, while others feel the price is reasonable for the bonuses and exclusive features and discounts.

From a subscription standpoint, Rockstar Games is following the lead of other companies like Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite and the Fortnite Crew game subscription, who are trying to make their games stickier – and more sustainable – through the subscription model. As with all subscription products, when you shift the business model, there is a risk. Rockstar Games could potentially lose players, and there is always a chance no one will subscribe to GTA+. But if they do, Rockstar Games can use the recurring revenue to support their operations which might include making some of the other changes players are asking for, including developing GTA 6 which fans are clearly excited about.

While players seem largely opposed to the service, we expect to see more of this type of subscription. App and game developers need sustainable revenue, and the subscription model is an easy one to launch to complement their other revenue streams. Players can still use or play the original app or game without an added cost. Those who are willing to pay a few bucks each month get access to extra features, bonuses and discounts. For consumers, it is a matter of choice. For developers, it may be a matter of survival or long-term sustainability.