Rockstar confirms which ending of GTA 5 is canon and true

The story of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor revolutionized the world 11 years ago, making Grand Theft Auto V one of the best-selling titles in history and one that has spanned three generations of consoles. The mechanic of switching between the three protagonists was a breakthrough in the industry. This same proposition of having three different protagonists meant that in the final stretch of the story, the player controlling Franklin had to decide the future of his mentors and allies. Although the canonical ending of GTA 5 was long debated, one of the updates to GTA Online recently provided the answer.

Warning: Spoilers for Grand Theft Auto V below.

In the final missions of Grand Theft Auto V, Franklin is faced with the dilemma of either killing Michael or Trevor. However, a third option allowed him to turn the tables and keep all three characters alive in an act of revenge against the enemies that had collected throughout the story. However, Rockstar never clarified what the true ending of the game was until 8 years later in GTA Online with the arrival of The Contract update.

Although GTA Online had already brought back Trevor as part of a series of missions (and as the main client in one of the heists), the whereabouts of the other characters were in doubt. This update brought back Franklin Clinton as the owner of a “Celebrity Solutions Agency” for Vinewood’s elite. But what had happened to Michael? Well, in one of the new agency’s missions, Franklin mentions, “I know one of the producers here. I hope his ass ain’t at work today…” while chasing two golfers through Richards Majestic Productions, the place where Michael works at some point in the original game.

The Contract, One of the Most Significant Updates to GTA Online

Beyond the new businesses, characters, and jobs that this update brought, was the great job Rockstar did in giving an improvement in quality of life and additional content to the online world. Since it was not just adding content and already, demonstrating that the world of GTA Online became a great music marketing strategy.

This update brought a new radio station, MOTOMAMI Los Santos. That’s right, Rosalia herself got to host a music station focused on Latin music. In addition, the release of the album of the same name was promoted in a completely different way, not only with a radio station but also with billboards all over Los Santos. Not to mention, missions with Franklin give us access to Dr. Dre himself, who debuted new songs in the game. Not only that, but DJ Pooh of West Coast Classics also pays tribute to the illustrious career with a “Dre Day” on the station’s music rotation.

GTA Online is still alive and kicking, and when GTA VI comes out in the fall of 2025, we will know what happens to this world that has been a gold mine for Rockstar for the past 11 years.