Rockstar Games' latest update to Grand Theft Auto 5, known as GTA 5 Enhanced, launched on March 4 and has received a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam. Out of 19,772 reviews, only 54% were positive, contrasting sharply with the 'very positive' rating of the original GTA 5, which is now unlisted on Steam. This makes GTA 5 Enhanced the lowest-rated GTA game on Steam, even falling below Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition, which has a 66% positive review rating.

GTA 5 Enhanced offers a free upgrade for PC players, incorporating features exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S versions of GTA Online. These include access to Hao’s Special Works for the latest vehicles and performance upgrades, animal encounters, and the ability to purchase a GTA+ Membership. The update also boasts enhanced graphics and quicker load times. Existing GTA 5 PC owners can upgrade for free and transfer their Story Mode and Online progress.

Every Celebrity in GTA 5 and GTA Online

15 ImagesHowever, the process of migrating accounts to the new version has been fraught with issues, contributing significantly to the negative reviews. Many players have reported difficulties with the migration process, with some expressing frustration over Rockstar's handling of account eligibility.

One player shared, "‘The GTA Online profile associated with this Rockstar Games account is not eligible for migration at this time,’" expressing strong dissatisfaction and unwillingness to start anew. Another review criticized the upgrade as a downgrade, preferring the original version until the next game's release.

Despite these challenges, GTA 5 Enhanced continues to attract a large player base, achieving a peak concurrent player count of 187,059 on Steam since its launch. However, the rocky rollout has raised concerns among PC gamers about potential issues with the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S in the fall of 2025. A former Rockstar developer suggested that PC gamers should be patient, acknowledging the complexities of PC game development.

In related news, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has taken legal action against PlayerAuctions for unauthorized GTA 5 content. Additionally, Rockstar has acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and renamed it Rockstar Australia.