Yes, online heists were a big selling point in 2013.

GTA online when it initially launched was garbage. Which is why it didn’t pick up until later 2015 after they finally added in Heists online in Mar 2015.

I distinctly remember the crocodile tears apology of free in Game currency for them delaying heists in 2014 to 2015.

The last truely epic and on point launch GTA has had was San Adreas in 2004.

With the announcement of GTA6 one should also be on the lookout for the same advertising grifters who try and get the game banned for being “too violent”. It’s been their marketing scheme for the last 20 years.

In 2013 they released GTA 5 without heists after promising them at launch, it took them 2 years and a bunch of virtual money nobody wanted before it was released in a shambles of a state.

It took other devs several more years to jump on the 10yr game trend we call games as a service.

GTA is way ahead of the curve. Even when you look at GTA 4. GTA 4 had annoying side quests like bowling with Roman before Fallout 4 did their endless settlements need your help quests.

Very trendy. So much wow and cool.