GTA Online Adds ‘KnoWay’ Robotaxis in New DLC

Rockstar Games is bringing a satirical take on autonomous vehicle technology to Grand Theft Auto Online with its latest expansion, “A Safehouse in the Hills.” Scheduled for release on December 10, the update introduces “KnoWay,” a fictional robotaxi service characterized by its penchant for destruction.

A trailer unveiled this past Friday highlights the disruptive nature of these virtual vans. Outfitted with lidar sensors, the vehicles are depicted swerving through traffic, colliding with other motorists, and smashing through city billboards. Visually, the in-game units bear a striking resemblance to the earlier-generation Chrysler Pacifica vans utilized by Waymo.

A Satirical Look at Autonomous Surveillance

The expansion centers on a narrative involving an AI assistant named “Haviland.” Rockstar Games indicates that the plot will task players with dismantling a mass surveillance network, positioning the tech industry as a central theme of the adventure.

The KnoWay brand leans heavily into this premise with the tagline, “We Kno where you’re going.” The inclusion of these vehicles arrives against a backdrop of real-world friction surrounding autonomous driving companies:

• Waymo has faced public scrutiny over concerns that its vehicles contribute to a growing surveillance state.
• The company has previously stated it would challenge government requests for vehicle footage if they are deemed “overly broad and unlawful.”
• Real-world robotaxis have become targets for vandalism in various cities, with incidents including arson, tire slashing, and physical damage.

While it remains unconfirmed if the KnoWay vans in the game are malfunctioning or being controlled by players, the chaotic nature of the trailer suggests a deliberate commentary on current tech-related anxieties. Waymo declined to comment on the inclusion of the fictionalized vehicles in the game.