Since this game went free on Epic Games I have seen a resurgence of new players, as well as older players such as me, return to the game. In fact, it looks like the game is doing better than ever based on steam's player charts (not sure if epic games havetheir count). Although I don't know why it surged in January/February since pretty much nothing was released then.
Then again the number of modders seems to have doubled. Also it kinda feelslike R* has abandoned the game as well you can hack yourself in millions of money and no consequences (so far) and its only extremely malicious modders who are being caught and banned.
Yes Grand Theft Auto V does have more players now. The only downside is that this attracted a lot of cheaters because the $30 dollar pay wall was removed. Who cares if you get banned off of a game that you didn't even pay for?