Grand Theft Auto Online – a name that resonates with any avid gamer, a staple of our times. Known for its captivating storyline, mesmerizing graphics, and a world that feels alive, GTA Online, an online spin-off to the Grand Theft Auto V series, has remained in the limelight since its inception. But just when we thought we knew everything about this gargantuan franchise, the past has a way of surprising us.
A recent discovery by KimiSha19 has turned the GTA community upside-down. A decade-old GTA Online beta is now available for everyone to see, and this isn’t your everyday run-of-the-mill finding. This is a relic; a fragment of a moment lost in time.
GTA V is one of the most successful games ever made, with its online component allowing it to persist in relevance long past its release. However, the GTA Online we know today was almost a different beast altogether. This mystery version was found via a PC emulation platform named Xenia, allowing players to plug into a pre-release build designed for the Xbox 360. What’s even more astonishing? Despite its age, this beta can be played with friends – in all of its bug-filled, texture-issue-full, and unpolished glory. But it runs. And it gives us a portal into what could have been.
The GTA forums have been buzzing with activity since this revelation. The community, in its inimitable enthusiasm, has been sifting through the beta, unraveling its secrets one thread at a time. So, what treasures lie within this forgotten digital Atlantis?
Upon a player’s untimely demise in-game, the ever-famous “Wasted” screen in this version provides more than just the iconic solemn reminder of your virtual mortality. It breaks down the assassin’s identity, the weapon of choice, and the fatal point of impact. The UI, a facet of the game we’re so accustomed to, had a completely different design, especially noticeable during rank-ups.
Two intriguing contacts – Al Carter and Edgar Carlos – graced this pre-release as representatives of the Lost MC and the Los Santos Vagos, respectively, which you could call on for “‘hang backup.” Players had a whopping five slots to craft their virtual doppelgangers, with an entirely reimagined creation menu. Another mystery that shrouds this beta is the periodic drop of “special crates,” which is still unclear what they’re for.
The discovery also presents an array of characters, completely absent in the official release, yet brimming with potential. For instance, Al Carter and Edgar Carlos aren’t mere names on a contact list. They come alive with fully voiced dialogues and gameplay features. Even Lamar, a familiar face in the franchise, offered a backup option, suggesting a deeper alliance system with various gangs.
However, one can’t help but ponder why certain features, despite being well conceptualized, didn’t make it to the final game. Was it a limitation of technology or a strategic decision to ensure the best user experience? Speculations suggest that with services like Merryweather in the main game, gang backups might have seemed redundant. Still, it’s a tantalizing thought to think of the alternate GTA Online that might have been.
Yet, despite these glimpses into its beta form, GTA Online remains an ever-evolving universe. Not all changes have been well-received by its ardent fanbase. From the removal of 200 classic vehicles to introducing the game-breaking exploit that banned players, the journey hasn’t been entirely smooth. Nevertheless, its persistent rank in the top charts stands testament to its iconic status in the gaming world.
This lost beta has reignited the community’s passion, as players worldwide delve deep into this digital archaeological find.
While it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for some, others view it as a lens into the creative process of Rockstar. It’s very possible that, somewhere down the line, we’ll encounter something like this for Grand Theft Auto 6.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to playing remasters of Grand Theft Auto 4 and Red Dead Redemption, both of which are expected to release before the current fiscal year ends.
