Chris

The first content update for GTA Online post-PC release is due out next week, on the theme of ill-gotten gains. The update will bring new vehicles, weapons, clothes and vehicle wraps - so you can show everyone your incredible taste - or lack thereof. Highlights of part 1 of the summer updates include: Cars: Enus Windsor, Albany Virgo, Benefactor Stirling GT, Pegassi Osiris - the latter two both featuring gull-wing doors. Aircraft: solid gold Buckingham Swift Deluxe, solid gold Buckingham Luxor Deluxe. Weapons: Combat PDW. Clothing/Accessories: "hundreds" of new items, in addition to 8 vehicle wraps. You can see some new HD screenshots of some of these new things over on the Newswire.

Rockstar have just posted up a new Asked & Answered article in which they answer some pressing fan questions to do with some very hot topics right now. There's also one new screenshot that's been released teasing a forthcoming GTA Online update. Below that is a short summary of each of the big questions and Rockstar's answer to each. One thing of note is the absence of anything about the single player DLC that was announced last year, this is likely to have been pushed back a bit because of the recent PC release. GTA Online Updates Rockstar say Heists are not the kind of things they can just go ahead and keep adding to the game, they're a "huge undertaking". However, there are some new updates coming to Online which will include some "very cool new toys" to spend your cash on - see the new screenshot above for a glimpse of what's to come. On a related note, it was also asked if the last gen consoles (PS3 / 360) would be seeing future updates. Rockstar acknowledge that at some point they'll hit a technical limit and simply won't be able to add any more, but they're doing their best to optimise the game in every way they can, and are currently working on the next big update. Rockstar Editor on PS4 / Xbox One A lot of people have been asking for Rockstar Editor to come to consoles. It's a powerful tool best suited to PCs, but Rockstar say they are working on a version specially tailored to the less powerful PS4 and Xbox One versions of GTAV, hoping to release it in the summer (read: whenever it's actually ready). The Lab radio station Another PC exclusive feature was new radio station The Lab, fans have been asking if that will be coming to consoles too. Yes, it will. Rockstar plan to add it to all four consoles, including the last gen ones, in a forthcoming update. Self Radio on consoles The PC version of GTAV allows players to curate their own radio station from MP3 files on their computer. Console players want this functionality too, but unfortunately, according to Rockstar, it is not technically possible on consoles at the moment as it requires more than they allow. Will I get banned for modding GTAV PC? Nope. Not in single player. But if you use mods in GTA Online that might give you an advantage over others then yeah, you're probably gonna get banned. Joystick / Steering wheel support for GTAV PC? They make no promises, but Rockstar say they are currently investigating what additional support they might be able to add. GTA V for Mac? Nope. But you can of course install Windows 7 / 8.1 through Boot Camp and play it that way. An article on R* Support has been added with instructions for those who don't know how to do this. Cracking down on money/RP/vehicle dupe glitchers on YouTube Rockstar obviously say they don't support or condone people doing this to get an unfair advantage, and have updated their copyright policy to reflect this, and these sorts of videos will be getting flagged for takedown now. Rockstar continue to thank players for reporting bugs, glitches, cheaters etc. via the support site. Cracking down on Godmode/invisibility/unlimited ammo in GTA Online Rockstar are doing all they can and are regularly rolling out hot fixes and patches for things like this, they believe they are making significant progress towards combatting most of it. And that about sums it all up. If you want to read all the questions and answers in full, head over to the Newswire article.

Finally! The day has come. Grand Theft Auto V is now available on all platforms. The PC version officially unlocked at midnight (UK time), and hundreds of thousands of gamers were already playing on Steam within hours. The PC version offers many enhancements and new features over the console versions, and Rockstar have today summed that up in a nice overview. The highlights: Huge range of graphics customisation options Play up to 4K resolution at 60fps Dual and triple monitor support, controller support, and 3D compatibility GTA Online available from day 1 including all previously released free DLCs and the Heists update Rockstar Editor Soundtrack includes new radio station, The Lab FM, as well as the ability to create your own completely custom radio station Check Rockstar's summary for more info, and remember if you're having any technical issues with the game you should use Rockstar's Support site. As always you have a multitude of channels from which to discuss the game, including our own forums. Be sure to let us know your early impressions of the game and how it's performing for you.

We're mere hours away from the launch of long awaited launch of Grand Theft Auto V for the PC, but Rockstar has one more thing to show off before we get to play, and that is the Rockstar Editor. Remember the video editing tools in GTA IV? Forget them. Rockstar has massively improved upon that and has basically developed a powerful in-game video editing tool, best explained in the video below.

Rockstar Games have just sent us an exclusive new screenshot from GTAV for the PC! Cheers guys! Other fansites were also sent exclusive shots, you can check them out at their sites: GTAV.net GTAInside GTAJunkies GTAGames.nl GTAGaming GTANext.de GTAPlace.hu GTAPro.com GTASite.net GTAtheGame.net GTATurk.com GTAVision GTAWarehouse GTA-Xtreme.de GrandTheftAuto5.fr Rockstar Network Rockstar Nexus Rockstar Universe Rockstar World GTASeriesVideos.com GTA Base @GTASnapmatic @GTAonlinenews @GTAV_Informer @RockstarGTAV

The wait is almost over... With less than a week to go until the release of Grand Theft Auto V for PC, today we have been treated to a round of hands-on previews from some major gaming sites. PC Master Race advocates have rightly had some concerns over this game, worrying that it may be a half-arsed port of the console versions (GTA IV's poor PC port didn't do much for Rockstar's reputation in this department), but the truth is, according to these previews there is no reason to be concerned at all. Hands-on Previews The following sites have hands-on previews of the game, which include some new screenshots too, so check them out if you wish. We've plucked a couple of choice parts from a few of them with regards to what's new or improved from console versions below. Game Informer Gamespot (and you can watch them talk about the Video Editing and Director Mode) Games Radar (also, GTAV O'clock share their hands-on impressions on YouTube) IGN PC Gamer PC Games N Tech Radar GTAV for PC is already being called the "definitive version" of the game, and although it's arriving over a year after the console versions, it's sounding like that could certainly be a fair summation, and that it will all have been worth the 19-month wait. So why is it the definitive version? What is so much better about this version of the game that the PC Master Race will get to experience and the 45 million people who bought the game for a console didn't get? Firstly, unlike console gamers, players on PC will have access to GTA Online from day one, including all the free DLCs that Rockstar have released over the past year, and the recent heists update. Players on PS3/PS4/X360/XBOne who are upgrading to the PC version will have the ability to transfer their console character's progress, so you'll be able to continue seamlessly on PC and won't have to start from scratch unless you really want to. Whether the servers hold up to demand on day one remains to be seen, but at least the game itself will be much less aggravating than it was when console gamers first experienced it. Secondly, graphics. GTA V on PC will look far superior to the console versions, assuming your computer is powerful enough (minimum/recommended specs are below). You'll be able to make full use of your 4K monitor/TV when playing, on which you'll also see improved textures and animations at up to 60fps. PCGamer have an article up listing all the possible graphics options if you're curious. PCGamer also have some very reassuring words for skeptical gamers... The ability to have a custom radio station has long been a feature exclusive to PC versions of GTA games. Once again you'll have this ability, however this time you'll even have the option to have some of the hilarious adverts play in between your tunes. As GameInformer explain: Lastly, Rockstar have massively improved the built-in video editing tools they gave us back in GTA IV. GameSpot got John Macpherson, lead gameplay designer at Rockstar Toronto, to talk a bit about what's new. Preload In case you hadn't heard already, GTAV PC is available to preload on Steam right now if you've pre-ordered it. And you'll probably want to preload ASAP, it's a whopping 60.4GB! For those of you on slow or transfer-capped plans, you'll probably want to opt for the retail version instead, which is apparently comes on 7 discs! While many skeptics declared they wouldn't be buying GTAV on PC due to all the delays and the belief that Rockstar didn't care about the platform, Steam's bandwidth graphs paint a different picture. The image captured below shows that demand for the game is still absolutely huge, with an enormous increase in data transfer occurring as soon as the ability to preload went live. Will I be able to play it? Probably... Rockstar have tried their best so that even those with average PCs will still get the definitive experience. Of course, the game won't look as good as those playing it on super computers, but the important thing is it should be playable. If you're not sure, feel free to post your specs in our forums and we'll make educated guesses as to how it will perform for you. Minimum specifications: OS: Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1, Windows Vista 64 Bit Service Pack 2* (*NVIDIA video card recommended if running Vista OS) Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs) / AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor (4 CPUs) @ 2.5GHz Memory: 4GB Video Card: NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB / AMD HD 4870 1GB (DX 10, 10.1, 11) Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible HDD Space: 65GB DVD Drive Recommended specifications: OS: Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1 Processor: Intel Core i5 3470 @ 3.2GHZ (4 CPUs) / AMD X8 FX-8350 @ 4GHZ (8 CPUs) Memory: 8GB Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB / AMD HD7870 2GB Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible HDD Space: 65GB DVD Drive

The official trailer showcasing the PC version of GTAV has finally arrived in all its 60fps glory. Make sure you're watching on the most recent/powerful device you have for the best viewing experience.

Rockstar have just released 15 new high-res 4K screenshots of the PC version of Grand Theft Auto V. The game is thankfully still on track for release on the 14th April, and an official trailer is due out next week. Click the thumbnails below to see the screenshots in their full 4K glory. See more GTA V PC Screenshots

Cities: Skylines is a city simulation game that was released a few days ago, and for those who don't know, is basically "everything Sim City should have been, and more". Despite its very recent introduction to the world, someone has already recreated the whole of GTAV's Los Santos in it. Steam user grockefeller, who has kindly released his save game file for the city on the Steam Workshop, says: If you own the game (which is only $ 30 / £23), you can have Los Santos in it with a simple click of a button on the Steam Workshop page. Below are a few more screenshots of the city, you should recognise how incredible the work put into this is almost immediately. Also below is a video from YouTube user Smoka Cola showing the city in action. [via Kotaku]

The BBC are producing a drama based on our beloved videogame series, Grand Theft Auto. The drama is going to be part of the BBC's Make It Digital initiative (press release and news article) in which it is pushing the UK to get more involved in the digital age, in particular helping young children to get involved with various aspects of computing, but also producing documentaries and other media. There's not really any concrete details on the drama at the moment, but former Gamespot UK editor-in-chief Guy Cocker revealed on Twitter that he is involved with the project, and has said that it's a 90-minute drama focussing on the people who made the game, i.e. the Houser brothers. So "based on Grand Theft Auto" is a slightly hyperbolic line from the BBC, as it sounds more of a drama on the making of GTA, not about the game itself. Still, it will be interesting to see how this turns out. No word from the BBC on when it will air, other than the fact it will be on BBC Two, we'll let you know when we find out more details on that. The BBC are famously neutral and overly politically-correct, perhaps to a fault sometimes, however it must be said that in general they actually have a fairly positive outlook on videogames. In 2013 prior to the release of Grand Theft Auto V, a report titled Grand Theft Auto: One of Britain's finest cultural exports? was published, which contained various points of view, seems to acknowledge the impact it's had on the world, and the UK's economy and culture.

The latest free update for GTA Online dropped earlier today, and it's the one you've been waiting a full 2 years for. Heists. We probably didn't need a news article to tell you this information, but here's Rockstar's quick recap on them: As you might expect the servers are getting pretty hammered and have been throughout the day, so things may be slow or not even play at all. All you can do is be patient. If you've managed to play a heist let us know in the comments how it went!

Various gaming outlets recently got to play a heist in GTA Online, and their hands-on impressions have been released today in both text and video form from IGN, GamesRadar and GameReactor. In addition to their article IGN also put together a 23 minute video on how to plan a heist. According to IGN the heists are "spectacular". They consist of several smaller set-up missions before a final big event. To start a heist in the first place you'll need to be at least rank 12, as well as own a high end apartment, then you'll simply need to wait for a call from Lester. There is also a setup cost, apparently around $ 60,000, this may vary in different missions/heists. IGN go into detail about all this in their article, we won't copy and paste all of that here in case you don't want any minor spoilers, feel free to read it at your own leisure, or just watch their video we linked to above. We will quote their conclusion though, as it certainly sings very high praise for heists, making it sound as if the delays and the waiting will all be worth it. GamesRadar reckon that each of the heists (there are 5 in this first update) will take around 2 or 3 hours to complete, depending on your approach and skill of course. The guys at their GTAVOclock team put their thoughts into a very thorough 1 hour long report, which you can listen to in their YouTube video, or below. And finally a quote from GameReactor reminding us of the importance of good communication in your team: Rockstar provided sites with loads of new screenshots of heists in action, check them out in our gallery below.

Just to remind you all that heists will finally be arriving in GTA Online next week on the 10th March. In addition to heists there will be some new adversary game modes making an appearance, read the summaries below for more info on those. From the Newswire, Rockstar summarise: Daily Objectives and new freemode activities will be other way in which you can boost your GTA$ earnings : The PC release still seems to be on track for its 14th April release. Only time will tell if it gets delayed again. Assuming it doesn't, you can be assured that heists and all this other new content will be available from day one.

After annoying everyone by delaying the PC version of GTAV once again, Rockstar are cheering us up by showing off some gorgeous new screenshots of the game to keep your appetite whet. Check these beautiful 4K shots out: You can see all the previously released 4K resolution shots in our GTAV PC Screenshots gallery.

Do we really need to say anything more? It's getting beyond a joke now but here we are, Rockstar have once again given us some dates for the release of GTA V on the PC, as well as heists for GTA Online. Some fans have been quick to point out that Rockstar haven't actually specified which year this time, which did make us giggle. Rockstar do offer their "apologies" for the, what is this? The 4th or 5th delay now? An extra $ 200,000 in-game cash will be given to those who have pre-ordered... If social media commentary is to be believed then this counts for nothing. A rather substantial amount of people are really not happy about the whole debacle, with many canceling or have already canceled their pre-order out of sheer frustration, some even admit they will turn to other means of acquiring the game. Constant delays are never good news for a game, even for one as high profile as GTA V that benefits from people buying it regardless just because "it's GTA". The loss of trust from loyal gamers and early pre-order purchasers could hurt in the long run. It's probably technically impossible to know just how many fans have actually canceled their order, though, and also how many were going to order but have since changed their mind. There is somewhat of a silver lining to this news though, at least for the console gamers, as Heists for GTA Online are apparently on track for release on the 10th March, which is just a couple of weeks away now. Rockstar promise more updates about this and other unnamed "new features" over the next couple of weeks. Hopefully they don't delay the news updates too. Here's some new screenshots showing action from heists: