https://gtaforums.com/topic/938850-is-it-crashing-for-you/page/33/#comments

Based on this thread, it seems it is completely false. Renaming the file to gtav.exe and running it using the No_GTAVLauncher doesn't allow to play the game, just access the start menu.

I myself am waiting for the Steam version and might buy if and when the issues are fixed.

the problem is the rockstar launcher?? on december it's suppose to launch on steam right?? fingers crossed hope it runs ok with Proton

The_Aquabatthe problem is the rockstar launcher?? on december it's suppose to launch on steam right?? fingers crossed hope it runs ok with Proton

It will still require the Rockstar launcher.
That's a safe bet.

subIt will still require the Rockstar launcher.
That's a safe bet.

Yeah, nowadays you need a launcher to launch a launcher [...] to launch the game. Interesting times indeed. ^^

Anyway, judging by the reactions after the release the game or the launcher or a combination of both has some major problems. Maybe Rockstar will be able to sort them out till the game gets released on Steam and the people waiting for the Steam release will have a better experience. But I'd be super careful.

Plintslîcho

subIt will still require the Rockstar launcher.
That's a safe bet.

Yeah, nowadays you need a launcher to launch a launcher [...] to launch the game. Interesting times indeed. ^^

Anyway, judging by the reactions after the release the game or the launcher or a combination of both has some major problems. Maybe Rockstar will be able to sort them out till the game gets released on Steam and the people waiting for the Steam release will have a better experience. But I'd be super careful.

Ha, yeah that's been the way for a while with Ubisoft games. I'm irritated that when I get an Ubisoft game through humblebundle, I forget every time that I'm going to have to install it through Uplay, instead of being able to have all my games in one place (Steam).
Bet that'll be the case with the EA Origin games being in Steam as well. It's the same damn thing happening with streaming video services too where everyone wants the slice of that pie, and now people are going back to piracy because there are just too many streaming services to catch up on everything.