New ‘KnoWay’ robotaxis cause chaos in upcoming Grand Theft Auto Online DLC

The latest Grand Theft Auto Online expansion, titled “A Safehouse in the Hills,” introduces robotaxis from a fictional company called “KnoWay.” These autonomous vans, resembling early Waymo Chrysler Pacifica models, are depicted causing chaos by swerving through traffic, crashing into vehicles, and destroying billboards. The DLC, releasing December 10, features a storyline involving an AI assistant named “Haviland” and centers on players attempting to thwart the development of a mass surveillance network, suggesting the rogue behavior of the robotaxis is part of the narrative. Rockstar Games appears to draw inspiration from real-world controversies surrounding Waymo’s autonomous vehicles, which have faced criticism for privacy concerns and have been targeted by vandalism in various cities. The game’s tagline for KnoWay’s service, “We Kno where you’re going,” echoes surveillance anxieties. While Waymo has publicly committed to resisting unlawful government data requests and condemned vandalism against its fleet, the game’s chaotic portrayal taps into ongoing tensions