I just tried connecting 10 times, and each time it displayed the same "failed to host gta online session" error. This is actually my first attempt to try GTA online since it launched, as I was hoping that with a little time this issue would be sorted out. Any one else experiencing this? Any things I can try to fix this? I'm on the PS3. This is real frustrating and real disappointing.

It's because the government is shut down.

Seriously though, I dunno, I've been avoiding online because it's so broken.

@composite: It's been working here for a week or more. Funny thing is that since the last patch, or at least it's since then that I've noticed it, I'm getting short disconnects. Sometimes the first I notice is a small banner on the bottom left saying it's reconnected and saved.

I'm afraid I have no tips on how to get on. If the game is claiming that the servers are down then it would seem it's not your end. Still as a matter of habit you should of course check and double check everything. All cables plugged in, powered up, access to router enabled etc etc etc. Just in case it over reports the servers when actually it's a good old fashioned blocked port.

I just played The Last of Us factions with no problems whatsoever. If The Last of Us works flawlessly on my network, shouldn't GTA Online? This is really disappointing.

I just tried to get on after not trying for about a week and a half. I still cant get on and I know it isnt me because I play FFXIV just fine. I cant even start the first tutorial mission.

Not for me it has been working for me since launch.

@sanious: Start messing with your network if you haven't yet, there might be some restrictions blocking GTA specifically and everything else works just fine.

Yeah, at this point its been stable for a good week and a half or so. Its been working for longer than that by day 3 I managed to get in and start playing somewhat reliably.