The “32-player” detail comes from Rockstar’s own documents in an employment tribunal in Scotland, where the company says former employees discussed “an online 32 player format” that was “highly confidential at that time”. It is the first time Rockstar has referred to an online format in connection with its next game, but it does not confirm that GTA 6 Online will have 32 players. Rockstar has still not announced an online mode for GTA 6, which launches on 19 November 2026. Here is what was reported, the context, and how to read it.
Where does the “32 player format” come from?
From the case brought by former Rockstar employees who were dismissed in October 2025. Rockstar says they shared confidential information in a Discord server used by members of the IWGB union; the workers dispute that. The hearing opened on 10 September 2026 in Scotland and is scheduled to run until at least mid-October. Scottish press reported Rockstar’s written arguments first, and the games press picked them up the same day, including Dexerto and GTA BOOM.
What exactly did Rockstar’s documents say?
As quoted by Dexerto and GTA BOOM, Rockstar describes its games as “the most closely guarded secrets of the company”. Among the discussions it objects to, the documents mention “an online 32 player format”, which Rockstar calls “highly confidential at that time”. A Rockstar representative is quoted as finding the leak “extraordinarily alarming”. Rockstar has made no public comment on GTA Online or GTA 6 Online beyond saying it will contest the claims.
Does this confirm 32 players in GTA 6 Online?
No, for three reasons.
- The documents do not say which game the format belongs to, or when the discussion took place. “At that time” suggests it is not a current specification.
- A format discussed internally is not a final product. Session sizes change during development and after launch.
- Rockstar has not announced a GTA 6 online mode at all. Its pre-order information and the store listings describe the game at launch as a single-player experience.
For comparison, GTA Online on GTA V hosts up to 30 players per session, so 32 would not be a dramatic change either way. Everything Rockstar has actually confirmed about multiplayer is kept up to date on our GTA 6 Online page.
Why are the reports inconsistent?
Details differ between outlets. Dexerto writes about a tribunal in Edinburgh and 31 former employees; GTA BOOM and Scottish outlets describe the hearing at the Glasgow Tribunals Centre and 34 dismissals. A likely explanation is that 31 of the 34 worked at Rockstar North in Edinburgh, but no source we read states it outright, so treat the headcount as reported rather than settled.
What happens to GTA Online meanwhile?
It carries on. GTA Online on GTA V is running its Business Rivalries event through September, with a new business in the spotlight every week, and new vehicles are still arriving, such as the Pegassi Horus. This week’s bonuses are on our GTA Online weekly update.
Frequently asked questions
Will GTA 6 Online have 32 players?
Not confirmed. Rockstar’s tribunal documents mention “an online 32 player format” discussed internally, without saying it is GTA 6 Online’s final player count.
Has Rockstar announced GTA 6 Online?
No. As of 16 September 2026, GTA 6 is presented as a single-player experience at launch on 19 November 2026.
What is the Rockstar tribunal about?
Former employees dismissed in October 2025 are challenging their dismissal. Rockstar says they shared confidential information in a union Discord server.
How many players are in a GTA Online session today?
Up to 30 players per session in GTA Online on GTA V.
Sources: Dexerto and GTA BOOM (10 September 2026), both citing Rockstar’s documents as reported by Scottish press; Rockstar’s pre-order information for GTA VI. Hearing still in progress on 16 September 2026.