Rockstar Games has announced that they are shutting down online servers for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Grand Theft Auto Online on December 16, 2021.
In their announcement, the ability to purchase Shard Cards, the game’s premium in-game currency for their microtransactions, will no longer be available for purchase after September 16, 2021. On December 15, 2021 is when they will shut down servers for the PS3 and Xbox 360 version. All stats tracking through Rockstar Games Social Club will also no longer be available. That just leaves the Grand Theft Auto V campaign available for those platforms.
It’s no surprise considering that the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions will be 8 years old in September. But if you have some fond memories playing GTA Online on those servers and has a certain attachment to the character there, sadly Rockstar will not provide a feature where you can transfer your progress to other platforms. If you also bought Shark Cards recently on the system, there won’t be any refunds available or even transferred.
GTA Online on the PS3 and Xbox 360 isn’t the only title losing online features as servers for Max Payne 3 and L.A. Noire on those systems will also shut down, and earlier as it’s set to close on September 16, 2021.
Grand Theft Auto V first launched on the PS3 and Xbox 360 on September 16, 2013 and was released on the PS4 and Xbox One the following year. Today, the GTA Online is going strong as it’s still one of the most played multiplayer game on multiple platforms.
GTA Online is currently available on the PS4, Xbox One, PC, and available in currrent gen consoles through backwards compatibility.
World of Warcraft Forever brought me back to Azeroth after more than a decade, reconnecting me with old friends and reminding me why WoW is special.