The latest update for Grand Theft Auto Online introduces a wild twist with the arrival of robotaxis from the fictional company “KnoWay.” These autonomous vans aren’t just your average rides—they’re designed for chaos.
A recently released trailer showcases KnoWay vans speeding through city streets, crashing into other vehicles, and even smashing through billboards. These scenes echo real-life controversies surrounding actual robotaxis, specifically those from Waymo, known for their mishaps on public roads. Despite the differences, there’s a notable resemblance between the in-game KnoWay vehicles and Waymo’s earlier-generation vans.
Set to launch on December 10, the expansion titled “A Safehouse in the Hills” hints at a storyline filled with action and intrigue. Players will likely get involved in thwarting a mass surveillance initiative, a nod to real concerns about autonomous vehicles in our cities. There’s also an AI character named “Haviland,” who adds another layer to the narrative.
Waymo, while focused on developing safe technology, has faced backlash over privacy issues. In a bid to maintain security, they’ve stated they won’t comply with broad government requests for data from their vehicles. Unfortunately, this has led to vandalism against their robotaxis, with incidents of vehicles being damaged or even set on fire occurring in various cities.
The “KnoWay” tagline—“We Kno where you’re going”—playfully highlights these real-world frustrations, suggesting players might take out their frustrations on virtual robotaxis when the update drops.
At a recent TechCrunch Disrupt event, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana addressed the issue of vandalism, expressing her commitment to collaborating with law enforcement to tackle the problem. This situation reflects a broader tension in society as technology evolves and questions of privacy and security continue to emerge.
In this playful yet serious storyline, Rockstar Games seems to be making a statement about the potential implications of autonomous vehicles, merging gaming with the real-world dynamics of surveillance and public sentiment. As players prepare for the release, many are eager to explore how this high-speed, action-packed adventure unfolds.
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