Former Rockstar developer Joseph Rubino has shared insights into the cancellation of a planned single-player DLC for Grand Theft Auto 5 featuring fan-favorite character Trevor Philips. Rubino, who worked as a senior camera artist on the project, revealed in an interview with YouTube channel SanInPlay that the DLC, which would have starred Steven Ogg’s Trevor as an undercover FBI agent, was shelved due to the overwhelming success of GTA Online.
Rubino explained that the team was divided between GTA Online and the Trevor DLC, but the latter was abandoned as GTA Online quickly became a major financial success. Despite significant investment and progress in the DLC, it was ultimately deemed more profitable to focus resources on the online component. Rubino expressed his disappointment, noting that the project was halfway complete when it was paused.
Steven Ogg, who portrayed Trevor, had previously mentioned his involvement in the DLC, stating that he had filmed content for the project. The cancellation of the DLC highlights Rockstar’s strategic shift to prioritize GTA Online, which has continued to thrive and expand since its launch.
As Rockstar gears up for the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in autumn 2025, the decision to forgo single-player expansions in favor of the lucrative online model reflects the evolving landscape of game development and monetization strategies.
