Rockstar Games has quietly removed the text chat feature in the Expanded Enhanced (EE) version of GTA Online on PC, leaving players with only the SMS system for communication. This change has sparked frustration among the community, as many find the SMS feature inadequate for fast and effective communication. You can buy modded gta cheap accounts from U4gm and instantly enjoy the enhanced features of the game. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4gm.
Why Was Text Chat Removed?
There are several theories as to why Rockstar decided to remove text chat in the latest version:
Toxicity and Moderation Issues – Many players believe that text chat was removed due to widespread issues such as insults, threats, and spam. Rockstar’s AI moderation may have struggled to effectively filter out toxic messages.
Modding and Scam Advertisements – Some speculate that the chat was removed due to frequent advertisements for modding services and scams, which had become common in public lobbies.
A Port from Console Versions? – Another theory suggests that the EE version on PC is a direct port from the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions, where text chat was never implemented. If true, the removal may not have been intentional but rather an oversight or a result of Rockstar’s focus on parity between platforms.
How This Affects Players
The removal of text chat has impacted players in several ways:
Harder Coordination for Heists and Missions – Many heists and in-game activities require quick communication, and the SMS system is far less efficient than real-time chat.
Loss of Casual Interactions – Players miss the ability to engage in casual conversations and social interactions, which added to the game’s immersive experience.
Voice Chat Isn’t Always an Option – While voice chat is still available, not all players use it due to privacy concerns, technical issues, or personal preference.
Console vs. PC Divide – Some console players are unsympathetic, noting that PC players are now experiencing the same limitations they have faced. However, console players at least have system-level messaging and voice chat features that PC players now lack.
Could This Be a Step Toward Crossplay?
There is speculation that the removal of text chat might be a step toward implementing crossplay in the future. Rockstar has not confirmed this, but aligning the PC version with consoles could make crossplay integration easier.
Will Text Chat Return?
Some players have reached out to Rockstar Support and received responses stating that text chat is "not supported at launch," suggesting that it may be reintroduced later. However, Rockstar has not provided an official statement on whether or when the feature will return.
For now, GTA Online PC players are left without one of the game’s most essential communication tools, and the community continues to voice its concerns in hopes that Rockstar will reconsider.
