Bad news for owners of some old consoles. GTA Online is shutting down versions for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The shutdown includes the website stat tracking through the Rockstar Games Social Club. The only bit of good news, if you can call it, is the shutdown isn't immediate but scheduled for December 16.
As part of the shutdown preparation, GTA Online is also ending sales of Shark Cash Cards for both consoles on September 16. That means you need to make sure to use it before that day arrives.
Under the End User License Agreement, it seems that any platform-specific purchases for virtual currency and virtual goods can’t be refunded or transferred. Rockstar Games, however, clarified that the change won't affect access, or even progress, within Grand Theft Auto V Story Mode.
The decision is likely because Rockstar is focusing on the updates and support for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. In addition, Rockstar is currently preparing for the launch this fall of the expanded and enhanced versions of Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online for PlayStation 5 and Xbox X/S Series.
Making things even worse for PS3 and Xbox 360 owners is the lack of no option to transfer characters or progress to current console generations. That means you have to start from scratch.
By the way, it’s not just GTA Online. There are also other features shutting down on September 16 including:
- Max Payne 3 (PS3 and Xbox 360 versions)
- Website stat tracking
- Online multiplayer
- Leaderboards
- L.A. Noire (PS3 and Xbox 360 versions)
- Website stat tracking
GTA Online was released back in 2013 on PS3 and Xbox 360. It was followed by releases of Xbox One and PS4 versions in 2014. It was then made available on PC in 2015. Versions for current-gen consoles PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are scheduled to be launched this November.
