Grand Theft Auto Online players are calling for a significant quality-of-life improvement: the ability to listen to the in-game radio while outside of vehicles or buildings with radios. This small but impactful change could make the game more immersive and enjoyable, especially during missions or while exploring the world.
Why the Radio Update Matters
Since its launch in 2013, GTA Online has received countless updates to enhance gameplay, from new missions to additional vehicles and businesses. Despite these updates, the in-game radio feature has remained largely unchanged, leaving some players wondering why they can’t access it while on foot.
Currently, the radio is only accessible when driving a vehicle or standing near a radio inside a building. Reddit user GovernmentOfficiaI recently sparked a conversation about this limitation, pointing out the irony of characters being able to wear earbuds but not use them to listen to the radio. Many players agree that adding this functionality would improve immersion and allow for more personalized gameplay experiences.
A Feature Already Seen in Other Games
The call for a portable radio feature in GTA Online is not unprecedented. Players have pointed out that other open-world games like Watch Dogs 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and entries in the Saints Row series allow users to listen to the in-game radio while on foot. This comparison has left many fans scratching their heads as to why GTA Online hasn’t adopted a similar approach.
They got airpods in the game yet you can’t listen to anything. They should let us listen to the radio while on foot connecting via the phone in game. Would be cool no?
byu/GovernmentOfficiaI ingtaonline
Adding this feature could be particularly beneficial for players who enjoy GTA’s customizable Self Radio option, which lets users upload their own music tracks. Instead of being limited to a vehicle, players could bring their favorite songs with them wherever they go in the game world.
A Logical and Simple Addition
Players have noted that incorporating this change shouldn’t be overly complex, as the in-game radio can already be accessed through the settings menu and mission setup screens. Allowing characters to use their phones or earbuds to stream the radio would not only make sense within the game’s context but also align with modern gaming standards.
Fans believe this update could improve the repetitive experience of completing missions. Many have expressed frustration with the default mission soundtrack, often resorting to turning off the game audio and playing their own music through external devices. A portable radio feature could eliminate this disconnect and keep players engaged with the game’s world.
Will GTA Online Get This Update?
Despite the growing demand, some players are skeptical that this feature will ever come to GTA Online. With Rockstar Games focusing much of its resources on the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, many feel that GTA Online updates are now secondary priorities.
However, fans are hopeful that GTA 6 will address this long-standing request. If the upcoming game includes a portable radio feature, it would be a welcome addition and a way for Rockstar to align with the evolving expectations of players.
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The Bottom Line
While it remains uncertain whether GTA Online will receive this quality-of-life radio update, it’s clear that players see the potential for a more immersive and personalized experience. Whether it happens in the current game or as part of GTA 6, the ability to listen to the in-game radio anytime, anywhere is a feature fans are eager to see.