Streaming Giant Reportedly in Talks for a GTA Game Addition to Its Gaming Service
The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, and Netflix seems keen on making its mark. Recent reports suggest that the streaming behemoth is looking to add a new “Grand Theft Auto” game to its burgeoning gaming service, Netflix Games. This revelation doesn’t pertain to the highly anticipated “Grand Theft Auto 6,” but rather a different iteration of the iconic franchise.
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Netflix’s interest in the GTA universe stems from its broader strategy to capitalize on its vast library of original intellectual properties. Following the acquisition of several game development studios, the company is reportedly discussing releasing a GTA game through a licensing agreement with the renowned publisher, Take-Two Interactive. The specifics of the game, including its type and development team, remain under wraps.
The current modus operandi for Netflix Games leans heavily towards mobile gaming. Given this, any GTA spinoff introduced to the platform would likely cater to mobile gamers. As of now, Netflix Games are accessible exclusively via its mobile app. However, there’s buzz about Netflix’s ambition to expand its gaming repertoire, allowing streaming from TVs or PCs. An analyst cited by the WSJ mentioned that Netflix has already invested approximately $1 billion in the gaming sector and is on the lookout for seasoned game executives to spearhead its venture into AAA titles.
While the numbers might seem impressive, the impact of Netflix’s gaming foray is still debatable. The games, bundled with Netflix subscriptions, have collectively been downloaded 705 million times as of September 20. Although a significant figure, it pales in comparison to the download metrics of some of the world’s leading mobile games. For instance, “Honkai Star Rail” alone boasted over 20 million downloads on its launch day.
A major GTA release on Netflix could be a game-changer for the platform. However, the looming release of “Grand Theft Auto 6” on other platforms might eclipse Netflix’s offering, rather than complementing it.
