Introduction

Project ROME — reportedly short for Rockstar Online Modding Engine — is Rockstar Games' rumored first-party modding and multiplayer platform set to debut with Grand Theft Auto VI. The framework is expected to replace or integrate with third-party systems like FiveM and RedM, ushering in a new era of officially sanctioned user-generated content (UGC), persistent servers, and creator monetization.

Though unconfirmed, the mounting evidence from Rockstar's acquisition of Cfx.re, combined with job postings and insider reports, paints a clear picture of what could be the biggest evolution in the GTA modding space since the launch of GTA Online.

Background and Origins

The origin of Project ROME can be traced to Rockstar's surprising acquisition of Cfx.re, the developers behind FiveM and RedM, in August 2023. This move was initially met with skepticism, as Rockstar had previously maintained a legal gray-zone relationship with modders.

"We’re incredibly excited to announce that Cfx.re — the team behind FiveM and RedM — is now officially a part of Rockstar Games."
— Rockstar Newswire, August 2023

Following the acquisition, mentions of an internal project called "ROME" began circulating, with increasing speculation that Rockstar was building a unified system for multiplayer creativity that would launch with GTA VI.

What Is Project ROME?

Project ROME is rumored to be a modding SDK and online server platform built into GTA VI's core architecture. It aims to provide creators with the tools to build entire online experiences inside Rockstar's next flagship title.

Expected Capabilities

• Custom multiplayer game modes with logic scripting.
• User-hosted or Rockstar-hosted servers for persistent roleplay, minigames, or competitive modes.
• Integration with GTA VI's content pipeline, allowing both Rockstar and community updates.

Key Rumored Features

1. Integrated Modding Tools

• Visual scripting interfaces
• Support for JavaScript, TypeScript, or Lua
• Hot-reloading assets and game logic
• Map editors with real-time previews

2. Creator Economy and Monetization

• Paid access to premium servers
• Cosmetic skins or in-game currency sold by creators
• Rockstar handling transaction processing and compliance

3. Persistent, Expanding World

• New cities and missions delivered via live service architecture
• Modders contributing expansions or roleplay regions
• Seamless patching across official and custom content

4. Built-In Moderation and Security

• Role-based admin tools and permission systems
• AI-assisted moderation for abusive behavior
• Improved built-in DDoS Protection

Vision and Strategic Intent

Project ROME seems to align with Rockstar's pivot toward a creator-first ecosystem, similar to trends seen in the broader industry:

• Epic Games promotes UGC with Fortnite Creative 2.0
• Roblox is a multibillion-dollar platform powered entirely by player-built games

Rockstar may be aiming to:

• Lengthen the lifecycle of GTA VI with modular content
• Reduce internal development overhead
• Monetize a thriving secondary economy via revenue-sharing

Community Response

Supportive Feedback

• "Finally, real tools with real support."
• "If this means no more shady server hosts or broken APIs, I'm in."

Concerns

• "Will Rockstar take a cut of every transaction?"
• "What kind of content will be allowed? Can we still do crime RP or NSFW servers?"

Many developers hope Rockstar will adopt a hands-off approach to moderation, letting the community flourish with minimal interference. Others worry that stricter policies may neuter the chaotic freedom GTA modding is known for.

FiveM: Phasing Out or Evolving?

There is widespread debate about the future of FiveM:

• Will it be deprecated and replaced by ROME?
• Or will it evolve as a backend for ROME's tooling?

Given Rockstar now owns Cfx.re, it's possible that:

• ROME is FiveM 2.0, rebuilt for GTA VI
• Legacy GTA V support will remain, but all new development will focus on ROME

Release Timeline and Integration with GTA VI

Take-Two has officially delayed GTA VI to Fall 2026. Industry insiders suggest that Project ROME may be introduced at or just after launch as part of GTA VI Online.

"We are adjusting our launch window for Grand Theft Auto VI to fall 2026 to ensure the highest quality experience."
— Take-Two Interactive, May 2025 earnings call

ROME could be released in phases:

• Phase 1: Official servers and content
• Phase 2: Modding SDK and limited creator access
• Phase 3: Open UGC economy and marketplace

Sources

• TweakTown - Rockstar working on Project ROME
• Polygon - GTA 6's creator tools
• LADbible - GTA 6 to introduce 'Project ROME'
• GamingBible - GTA 6 Online is more ambitious than we ever imagined
• RockstarINTEL - Rockstar to release mod tool for GTA V FiveM ahead of GTA 6
• Wikipedia - Grand Theft Auto modding

Final Thoughts

Project ROME could be a revolutionary leap forward for the GTA franchise. By embracing modders, empowering creators, and monetizing community content within an official framework, Rockstar is positioning itself at the frontier of the UGC era. Whether it lives up to the hype will depend on how much freedom Rockstar grants its community — and how effectively it balances profit with play.

Stay tuned. This is just the beginning.

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