Grand Theft Auto 5 has seen numerous re-releases, but its latest enhanced PC edition has received a less-than-welcome reception. The 2022 PS5 and Xbox Series enhanced edition recently arrived on PC, yet despite Rockstar having three years to optimize the experience, the launch has been far from smooth. Currently, the game holds the distinction of being Rockstar’s lowest-rated title on Steam, with only 51% of 12,143 user reviews being positive. This places it on the brink of a negative rating, an astonishing turn for one of the most beloved and commercially successful games of all time.
Account Migration Issues and Technical Problems (Grand Theft Auto 5 Remastered Review)
One of the biggest grievances surrounding the enhanced edition is the mandatory migration process. While this version is a free upgrade for those who own the base PC edition—now labeled as the Legacy Edition—it is not just a simple patch but a separate program that requires installation. Players must transfer their progress and online profiles, but many have encountered issues during this process. Rockstar has deemed some accounts ineligible for migration due to past bans, illegitimate earnings, or insufficient progress. While this decision appears to be a measure against online cheating, even legitimate players have reported experiencing issues.
On top of this, Rockstar has disabled text chat for the enhanced edition. The decision, seemingly made to combat spam bots and toxic players, has frustrated users who rely on text communication. As one Reddit user noted, “There’s no fun playing with randoms now. The only way to communicate is by honking the horn and pointing the finger.”
Furthermore, the classification of the enhanced and Legacy editions as separate games has fragmented the player base, preventing interaction between those on different versions. Despite the PC port arriving three years after the console upgrade, players are also facing technical issues, including choppy frame rates and blurry visuals. Given that this is an 11-year-old game, optimized for next-gen consoles three years ago, many feel that it should run smoothly on high-end PCs.
GTA 6 and Growing Frustration Among PC Players After the Launch Of Grand Theft Auto 5
Beyond these immediate technical problems, another major point of frustration is the lack of clarity regarding Grand Theft Auto 6’s PC release. Rockstar has remained silent on whether the next installment will launch on PC simultaneously with consoles or follow a delayed release schedule. For a fanbase eagerly awaiting the future of the franchise, this poorly executed update to GTA 5 only adds insult to injury.
Sony Introduces PS5 Leasing in the UK
In other gaming news, Sony has launched a new leasing program for PlayStation consoles in the UK. Through a partnership with a company called Rao, gamers can now rent PS5 consoles and accessories for a monthly fee. Options include rolling monthly plans or fixed-term leases of 12, 24, or 36 months. The longer the commitment, the lower the monthly cost.
However, it’s crucial to note that this is a rental, not an installment plan. Sony’s website states that customers may have the option to purchase the device at the end of their lease, but that decision remains at Rao’s discretion. Available bundles include PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro consoles, additional controllers, PlayStation Portal for remote play, and PSVR2 headsets.
While this service might appeal to those who cannot afford an upfront purchase, rental plans like this are often seen as financially disadvantageous in the long run. Since Rao is only offering digital editions of the PS5, players must purchase all their games through the PlayStation Network or subscribe to PlayStation Plus, further increasing the overall cost.
Between the troubled GTA 5 PC launch, Sony’s new console rental program, and an overpriced snack, the gaming world never fails to surprise. Hopefully, Rockstar can address GTA 5’s issues before frustrations boil over further. In the meantime, players can only wait for official news on GTA 6’s PC release while making sure they don’t accidentally eat the next viral Cheeto.
