Hackers released what they claim is internal Rockstar Games data showing GTA Online generates over $1m in daily revenue. The leaked documents suggest the 2013 multiplayer mode pulls in roughly $365m per year through microtransactions.
The breach appears to be the result of a failed blackmail attempt. According to reports, hackers tried to extort Rockstar and released the data after the company refused to pay.
The leaked material includes platform-specific breakdowns of weekly active users and revenue. The numbers paint a clear picture of where GTA makes its money.
PlayStation 5 leads the pack with over 3.4 million weekly active users generating approximately $4.5m in weekly revenue. Xbox Series X follows with 1.1 million users spending around $1.9m weekly.
PC shows a drastically different story. Despite having nearly 900,000 weekly active users, the platform reportedly generates only $264,000 in weekly revenue. That’s less than a sixth of what PS5 players spend.
The disparity likely stems from rampant cheating on PC servers. Players frequently complain that hackers make the game nearly unplayable, which may discourage legitimate spending. Many PC players have also migrated to FiveM, a third-party mod framework that Rockstar actually acquired in 2023.
The Shark Card economy
GTA Online monetizes primarily through Shark Cards, which let players buy in-game currency with real money. This system created a grind-heavy experience that pushes players toward microtransactions.
The game has run for over a decade with regular content updates that introduce expensive new vehicles, properties, and weapons. Players can either grind missions for hours or skip the process by purchasing Shark Cards.
