Grand Theft Auto Online’s ‘A Safehouse in the Hills’ DLC Introduces Chaotic ‘KnoWay’ Robotaxis
Rockstar Games is set to release a new expansion for Grand Theft Auto Online titled A Safehouse in the Hills, launching on December 10. This update introduces KnoWay, a fictional autonomous taxi service that adds a new layer of chaos to the game’s urban environment.
In the recently unveiled trailer, KnoWay’s self-driving vans, equipped with lidar sensors, are depicted careening through city streets, colliding with vehicles, and even crashing through billboards advertising their own service. These in-game robotaxis bear a striking resemblance to Waymo’s earlier-generation Chrysler Pacifica vans, suggesting a satirical nod to real-world autonomous vehicle technology.
The storyline of the DLC hints at a scenario where these autonomous vehicles have gone rogue, leading players to embark on a mission to stop the development of a mass surveillance network in an all-new action-packed adventure. This narrative is further enriched by the inclusion of an AI assistant named Haviland, indicating a broader commentary on the tech industry’s influence.
Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has faced criticism for its role in expanding surveillance capabilities. Despite the company’s assurances that it will resist overly broad and unlawful government requests for data, its vehicles have been targets of vandalism, including incidents of arson and tire slashing in various cities.
Rockstar Games appears to be tapping into these societal concerns with KnoWay’s tagline: We Kno where you’re going. This satirical approach is likely to resonate with players who may channel their frustrations into the virtual world by interacting with these autonomous vehicles in the game.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for how this new content will blend action-packed gameplay with a critique of modern technological advancements and their societal implications.
