Epic Games has been teasing a mystery game for its next Epic Games Store free game. This has led to some anticipation building, because Epic traditionally reveals the next free game right away. A new rumor may know why Epic’s decided to keep the game a secret, as it claims that the free game will be none other thanGrand Theft Auto 5. The free game, whether it’sGrand Theft Auto 5or otherwise, is scheduled to become available Thursday, May 14, at 8:00 am PT.
The rumor comes from gaming outlet Game Pressure, which refers to an anonymous source that it describes as “very well-informed.” The source says that tomorrow’s free game on theEpic Games Storewill beGrand Theft Auto 5. The game will be revealed Thursday morning and will remain available from May 14 through May 21.
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It’s perhaps notable thatGrand Theft Auto 5is not currently available on the Epic Game Store. That’s not a point against the rumor, however. Free games are often titles that are new to the Epic Games Store. Rockstar has also previously established a relationship with Epic for thePC release ofRed Dead Redemption 2.RDR2was initially offered exclusively through the Epic Games Store on PC. A new partnership to offerGTA 5for free is certainly possible.
Perhaps the least believable part of the rumor is thatRockstarwould just giveGrand Theft Auto 5away for free. Even near 7 years old,Grand Theft Auto 5is selling for a decent price. However, Epic may have made very lucrative offer to Rockstar for the privilege. Rockstar may also be prioritizing getting as many new gamers onGrand Theft Auto Onlineas possible. Microtransactions are likely just as, if not more, profitable as the game’s base value.
With so many gamers at home due to stay-at-home orders as a result of theCOVID-19 pandemic, giving those gamers access toGrand Theft Auto Onlinemay look like a highly profitable business decision.
Ultimately, the biggest reason why thisGrand Theft Auto5coming to the Epic Games Store for free isn’t likely is that this rumor is completely unreliable. It comes from an anonymous source that isn’t said to be a verified insider. It could very easily be a faked leak. Luckily, gamers won’t have to wait long to find out the truth. TheEpic Games Store’s next free gameunlocks in less than 24 hours.
Grand Theft Auto 5is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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