Rockstar Games could be gearing up to make Grand Theft Auto 6 more than just a game—it might be the next big metaverse experience. A report from Digiday claims the studio has been in talks with top creators from Fortnite and Roblox, as well as dedicated GTA content creators, about designing custom experiences within the upcoming title.

This could mean GTA 6 won't just be a sequel—it might be an evolution of the franchise into a full-fledged creator-driven platform.

What's the Plan?

According to anonymous sources cited in the report, Rockstar wants to allow creators to modify the game's world and assets, potentially integrating their own IP. This could include in-game branding, much like what happens in Roblox and Fortnite.

The news comes after Rockstar's 2023 acquisition of Cfx.re, the team behind FiveM and RedM—two popular multiplayer mods that allow players to create their own role-playing servers within GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2. These custom servers have kept GTA 5 thriving on Twitch, even 14 years after its launch.

Industry insiders believe Rockstar's purchase of Cfx.re was a strategic move to integrate user-generated content directly into GTA 6.

"It is my firm belief that the reason they purchased FiveM is exactly that—to spin up a metaversal universe of custom-built experiences, and potentially UGC items, with an attached UGC creator economy," said Pete Basgen, global gaming and esports lead for WPP agency Wavemaker.

How Will Creators Benefit?

While GTA 6 could open new doors for creators, Digiday's sources say talks have been "relatively open-ended" so far. It's unclear whether creators would be able to make money from their work inside the game, beyond the exposure of being in one of gaming's most popular franchises.

"Creators in other metaverse platforms—who often refer to themselves as user-generated content, or UGC, creators—can make money by getting a cut of virtual item sales or through revenue share programs," the report explains.

In Roblox and Fortnite, creators earn money through in-game purchases, subscriptions, and brand partnerships. But Rockstar hasn't revealed whether a similar model would apply to GTA 6.

Could Rockstar Embrace Real-World Brands?

Historically, Rockstar has avoided using real-world brands in GTA, opting instead for satirical knock-offs like "Sprunk" (a parody of Sprite) and "Krapea" (a take on Ikea). But with rumors that GTA 6 has a massive $2 billion production cost, some speculate that Rockstar might finally be willing to bring in real-life advertisers.

This shift could align with a UGC-driven approach, allowing brands to set up in-game experiences, much like they do in Fortnite.

"If Rockstar embraces UGC, it's a game-changer, plain and simple," said Chad Mustard, COO of UGC gaming studio JOGO. "The demand for creator-driven experiences is already massive, and this could unlock unprecedented opportunities for studios like ours. The economics are proven, the audience is there, and we're ready to build. This is the moment GTA creators have been waiting for."

What About GTA Online?

One big question is how this rumored metaverse-style approach would affect GTA Online. Right now, private FiveM servers charge players subscription fees ranging from $25 to $100 per month in exchange for perks like custom cosmetics and priority queue access. FiveM, in turn, takes a cut of this revenue.

This kind of system is something Roblox and Fortnite don't have—those platforms rely on item sales rather than subscription-based game modes. If Rockstar integrates UGC into GTA 6, it's possible that a hybrid model combining both revenue streams could emerge.

When Is GTA 6 Coming?

As of now, GTA 6 is set to launch in Fall 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC version is expected to follow in early 2026, according to reports from peripheral manufacturers.

With so much secrecy surrounding the game, it's unclear if Rockstar will confirm any of these metaverse-style features before launch. But given the explosion of UGC-driven gaming in recent years, GTA 6 turning into a Roblox-for-adults doesn't seem that far-fetched.

If true, this could be the biggest evolution the franchise has ever seen.