Grand Theft Auto Online character creator is all about DNA In Grand Theft Auto Online, you'll be able to play as a custom character you've created. But, how does the character editor work in GTAO? Well, it's apparently based on DNA.

In Grand Theft Auto Online, you'll be able to play as a custom character you've created. But, how does the character editor work in GTAO? Well, it's apparently based on DNA.

The new "hereditary-based creation system" lets you select your character's appearance by choosing your parent's heritage, then using "the gene dominance meter" to tweak which parent you more closely resemble. Picking up the Collector's Edition version of GTA5 will unlock bonus parents: Niko from GTA4, and Claude and Misty from GTA3. Fascinating--and creepy at the same time.

Like the three heroes of the single-player adventure, your online character will also live life even when you're not actively playing. You'll be able to customize your character's daily activities--which ultimately impact your character's appearance and skill set. For example, you can have your custom character be a family man, a gym bunny, a routine criminal, etc. Regardless of what you choose, you'll be able to rank up your skills via gameplay.

Grand Theft Auto Online launches on October 2nd as a free title update for Grand Theft Auto 5.