Rockstar Games Legal Agreement Update: AI Players as Teammates and Opponents

Following last year's legal update, Rockstar has reworded its terms regarding AI-generated players, suggesting that players may have computer controlled 'bots' as teammates and not just opponents.

In an update to Rockstar Games' legal agreement last year, the company hinted at the possibility of competing against AI-generated opponents. A few days ago the agreement was updated and features a slight yet important change to the wording.

Original Legal Agreement (Feb 2024)

"To ensure that you have available opponents at the right skill level, some of these matched opponents may be auto-generated, computer-controlled players that look and play like real people."

New Legal Agreement (Feb 2025)

"As part of certain Services, we may offer you the opportunity to play with other live players as teammates or matched opponents. To ensure that you have available participants at the right skill level, some of these teammates or matched opponents may be computer-controlled entities that appear as, and are intended to play like, real players."

What's Changed

This update introduces AI-controlled players not just as opponents, but as possible teammates, suggesting a new approach to multiplayer interactions. The previous version of the agreement focused solely on AI 'opponents', but the new wording makes it clear that these AI players will be integrated into a wider range of gameplay scenarios. The inclusion of AI as teammates allows for more dynamic and seamless multiplayer experiences, especially in situations where real players may be unavailable.

Key Implications

• AI as Teammates: The new update highlights that AI-controlled entities will not just serve as cannon fodder in modes like Deathmatch. Instead, they will now play alongside human players as teammates, ensuring that players can still engage in multiplayer missions or activities even when their friends are offline. This could prove invaluable for solo players who want to experience cooperative gameplay without waiting for others to join in.
• Skill Matching: The update also mentions that these AI entities will be matched to the player’s skill level. This feature could lead to more balanced and enjoyable gameplay, as AI opponents and teammates will adjust dynamically based on the user's experience.
• Reduced Lobby Wait Times: One of the most practical outcomes of this update is the potential reduction in time spent waiting for other players to fill multiplayer lobbies. With AI-controlled teammates and opponents, lobbies can remain active and balanced, improving the overall pacing and accessibility of online play.
• Human-Like AI: The revised agreement also emphasizes that these AI players will not only look like real people but will also be designed to play like real players. This could mean that AI-controlled entities will possess more sophisticated behaviors and decision-making processes, making them feel more integrated into the overall gaming experience.

Why Does This Matter?

The move to incorporate AI-generated players as both teammates and opponents reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry where AI is becoming a more integral part of multiplayer experiences. Whether it's filling empty spots in a team or offering players a more seamless match-making experience, AI can improve accessibility, reduce downtime, and enhance the overall gameplay experience.

The legal update further suggests that Rockstar Games is likely taking a more user-centric approach by reducing the reliance on human players for certain game modes, ensuring that players have the flexibility to engage with the game at their own pace, and at any time.

One thing is for sure, the next generation of Grand Theft Auto Online is going to bring many improvements over the original game.

Stay tuned for all of the latest GTA VI updates as we move into the 3rd month of 2025, with the game still targetting a release in around 6-9 months time and don't forget to check out iGrandTheftAuto.com for guides, maps and info on every GTA game in the series.