GTA fans might just get something ‘new’ to look forward to on Netflix Games. According to a recent Wall Street Journal speculation, a new spin-off Grand Theft Auto title is coming to the popular streaming platform, as part of the Netflix Games category.
The report suggests that a new licensing deal with GTA’s publisher, Take-Two Interactive, will bring the popular open-world series to Netflix.
Yes, Netflix Has Games, but Only on Mobile (For Now)
If you’re a long-time Netflix user, there’s a chance you might have not even heard about playable games on the streaming service. It’s not surprising either. Based on another report by the Wall Street Journal, the massive streaming platform has spent around $ 1 billion on getting games on its platform. Unfortunately, they haven’t been hitting high targets.
As of September 2023, these titles have been downloaded and played over 70.5 million times. This may sound like an impressive number, but in the grand scheme of things, it simply isn’t. Take for example Genshin Impact, which launched on mobile in 2020. The game has 139.5 million downloads. We’re talking about one game. From a single studio!
On the other hand, the 70.5 million combined downloads come from Netflix Games which launched in 2021. As of now, there are around 77 titles on the platform available to download for iOS and Android users. If there’s a ‘next’ GTA happening for Netflix Games, it’ll be added to this collection.
There’s a small and unlikely chance that this will be a remaster or trilogy that includes the class GTA games like San Andreas, Vice City and GTA III. Still, the lack of official news regarding any of this keeps us in the guesswork game. Truth be told, at this point, any ‘newness’ to the GTA saga will be well-welcomed (yes, we’re choosing to look past the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition).
Is Netflix Games’ Progress Worthy Enough for a Huge Title Like GTA?
Earlier this year, the vice president of external games at Netflix, Leanne Loombe, commented how the company is ‘very happy’ with the progress so far. Especially once games like Too Hot to Handle were added.
However, Netflix’s take on video games still hasn’t caught the attention of the majority of Netflix users. As of August of last year, only about 1% of the subscribers were actually downloading and playing the games. This isn’t Netflix’s first ‘interactive fiction’ rodeo, though. With shows like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, the company has tried getting users to interact with the media they are consuming.
Interestingly, in 2022, Netflix claimed that it was trying to reach for the skies by providing the ‘absolute best’ gaming service for its subscribers. The ambition is admirable, but the competition is threatening. With services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Remote Play, streaming/downloading games introduces gamers to an extraordinary amount of titles they can access through their smartphones.
Since all of Netflix Games is available to subscribers at no extra cost, we do wonder how much Rockstar or Take-Two Interactive will profit from this new game. In August, Netflix proposed a statement regarding running a beta test that allows subscribers from the UK and Canada to play games on PCs, TVs, and Macs. Just like the Canadian beta test, US users will gain access to two games – Oxenfree and Molehew’s Mining Adventure.
Inspired by TV shows (and related sources), Netflix plans to bring more games based on familiar characters and settings. Dedicated mobile gamers might be worried about how these games are ‘controlled’, to which, Netflix has the answer. Have a look at the App Store, and you’ll come across a dedicated Netflix Game Controller. A game like GTA will demand seamless and smooth controls, especially when it’s all touch-based. Well, this might just help.
While fans look forward to the next GTA’s official announcement, Netflix showing an interest in the series might just be a welcoming distraction.
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