After a recent update that tackles a major issue for PC players, Rockstar Games has improved its PC launcher with a new user-friendly feature. The update, reported by Rockstar Intel, lets players choose their preferred default platform—Steam, Epic Games Store, or the Rockstar Games launcher itself—for games they own across different stores. This change marks a significant shift from the previous rigid system, giving users more flexibility and control over how they access their game library. For fans of major franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, this function makes launching games easier by removing the need to navigate through a secondary launcher for titles bought elsewhere.
This move shows a change in strategy for Rockstar. Like many other big publishers, it has tried to create its own digital store in a increasingly fragmented PC gaming market. While platforms like the Epic Games Store have gained a solid foothold, other exclusive launchers have often faced criticism from the community for being an unnecessary hassle. This new feature responds to that concern, positioning Rockstar’s launcher not as a required access point, but as a more convenient and user-friendly hub that works well with a player’s existing library.
In addition to the main launcher upgrade, the recent update also brings several other improvements. The most notable is the addition of Discord Rich Presence for some of the company’s titles, including Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. This integration shows a player’s in-game status and activity directly on their Discord profile, enhancing the social gaming experience. Although this feature is small on its own, it fits into a larger trend in the industry of making games more visible and interactive on social platforms.
These updates, both big and small, may hint at the company’s preparations for future releases, especially the highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. With the studio confirming that this title is expected to be the biggest video game launch in history, having a smooth and efficient PC platform is essential. By enhancing the user experience and connecting with other popular services, Rockstar seems to be setting the stage for a successful rollout of its next major game. This ensures that its infrastructure is ready to handle the immense demand and attention that will come with the title.
