The parent company behind Rockstar Games has directed the creators of the Rage: MP modding platform to cease all operations immediately. In a forum announcement released Monday evening, the developers confirmed that Take-Two Interactive had formally requested the shutdown of the service. The company cited its own proprietary modding platform, FiveM, as the sole authorized tool for modifying Grand Theft Auto V, particularly for online multiplayer experiences.
“We must share an important update about the future of RAGE: MP. Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have made it clear that FiveM is the only authorized platform for GTAV multiplayer modding, as defined in their Platform License Agreement (PLA). In accordance with that policy, and at Take-Two’s request, RAGE: MP will begin a structured shutdown process. We are asking all server owners to wind down their operations and migrate to FiveM.”
Rage: MP is scheduled to cease operations on August 31, 2026, according to the forum announcement. This timeline provides server owners with ample time to migrate their communities to FiveM. The decision reflects Take-Two and Rockstar’s long-standing stance on modding within the GTA ecosystem. Back in 2015, the companies faced significant criticism when reports suggested they planned to ban mods in GTA 5, including single-player modifications. While Rockstar later clarified that modding remained permitted, it emphasized monitoring efforts to protect GTA Online from harmful content.
Tensions flared again later that year when Rockstar attempted to shut down FiveM for hosting what it described as an “unauthorized alternate multiplayer service that contains code designed to facilitate piracy.” Those issues were resolved after Rockstar acquired Cfx.re, the team behind FiveM, in August 2023. The move came as the GTA roleplaying community surged in popularity, a trend that only became possible through modding tools.
Some players speculated that Rockstar’s acquisition aimed to better integrate modding and community servers into the upcoming title. While nothing has been confirmed yet, fans hold out hope that the next game will include modding tools for consoles, following Bethesda’s lead with mods on Skyrim and Fallout 4. Even if that happens, it likely won’t arrive for some time. Still, Take-Two’s push against Rage: MP signals a stronger focus on its own platform ahead of the game’s launch.
Take-Two also recently delayed the release of the franchise’s next major entry, pushing the date from an earlier window to November 2026. The company remains confident in the new timeline and has already outlined an extensive marketing campaign set to begin this summer. In the meantime, fans can explore more about the upcoming title, including Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s comments on whether GTA 6 needs a third trailer, his views on the current console market, and how the game’s delay totals roughly 18 months rather than a year. For more details on the schedule, readers can check GTA 6 Set for November 2026 Launch, Take-Two Confirms, Quashing Delay Rumours.
Market analysis suggests that consumer interest remains high despite various hurdles. Take-Two Executive Confident GTA 6 Appeal Endures Despite Console Price Rises indicates that the publisher believes demand will sustain the title regardless of hardware costs. Additionally, community excitement has been reignited by recent leaks regarding pre-order dates and potential third trailers. GTA 6 fans rev up again over leaked pre-order date and Trailer 3 rumours reflect the intense anticipation surrounding the franchise’s future.
Rockstar continues to innovate in other areas as well. Recent filings suggest the studio is looking into new technologies to enhance non-player character interactions. Rockstar Games Patent New NPC System, Potentially for GTA 6 or GTA Online could further define the next generation of open-world gameplay. This strategic focus aligns with broader executive commentary regarding the company’s portfolio. Red Dead Online Was Not A Missed Opportunity, Take-Two CEO Rejects Claim highlights the executive team’s confidence in their live-service strategies across all major titles.
