"GTA 5 Enhanced Edition Now Worst Reviewed on Steam"

Rockstar's latest iteration of Grand Theft Auto 5, known as GTA 5 Enhanced, has not been well-received by the Steam community since its release on March 4. The game currently holds a 'mixed' user review rating, with only 54% of the 19,772 reviews being positive. In stark contrast, the original GTA 5, which is now unlisted on Steam at Rockstar's request, boasts a 'very positive' rating.

Interestingly, GTA 5 Enhanced has the lowest user review score among all GTA titles on Steam, even falling below Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition, which sits at 66% positive reviews.

GTA 5 Enhanced offers a free upgrade for existing PC players, bringing features from the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S versions of GTA Online, such as new vehicles and performance upgrades at Hao’s Special Works, animal encounters, and the ability to purchase a GTA+ Membership. It also boasts enhanced graphics and quicker load times. Players can transfer their Story Mode and Online progress to this new version.

Every Celebrity in GTA 5 and GTA Online

15 ImagesHowever, the upgrade process has been marred by significant issues, particularly with account migration. Many players have reported problems, with the majority of negative reviews citing these migration issues as a major concern.

One frustrated player shared, “ ‘The GTA Online profile associated with this Rockstar Games account is not eligible for migration at this time,’ ” expressing their unwillingness to start over after investing nearly 700 hours into their character. Another player called the new version an "objective downgrade" from the original, stating their intent to stick with the legacy version.

Another review highlighted the arbitrary nature of account migration restrictions and the lack of support from Rockstar, while a different player lamented the inability to migrate either of their accounts and criticized the minimal enhancements provided by GTA 5 Enhanced.

Despite these criticisms, GTA 5 Enhanced has seen strong player engagement, with a peak concurrent player count of 187,059 on Steam. However, the rocky launch has raised concerns among PC gamers about the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, with fears that similar issues could affect its PC version.

GTA 6 is set to launch in the fall of 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, leaving PC gamers waiting longer. A former Rockstar developer attempted to address the delay in PC release, urging gamers to trust the studio's plans. Meanwhile, Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick has responded to concerns about GTA Online's future post-GTA 6, and the company has initiated legal action against PlayerAuctions for unauthorized GTA 5 content.

In other developments, Rockstar has acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and rebranded it as Rockstar Australia.