Rumors have occasionally surfaced that Grand Theft Auto VI will integrate cryptocurrency, fueling expectations that the franchise could come to Web3.
Rumors suggesting that Grand Theft Auto VI will incorporate cryptocurrencies from time to time, fueling expectations that the highly anticipated game could include digital assets as rewards for players and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as in-game goods or even as part of of the humor of the story.
The most recent speculation among the crypto community emerged last week on Twitter, but there is no indication that Rockstar Games, the creator of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, plans to jump to Web3. Cointelegraph examined the latest rumors and facts regarding the possibility of an upcoming crypto GTA.
Play-to-earn is no longer seen as an efficient business model.
Play-to-earn (P2E) games allow users to earn cryptocurrency by playing games. The business model, however, has apparently become unsustainable, despite the excitement around blockchain-based games.
At NFT.NYC in April, game publishers and developers highlighted that the industry is exploring alternatives to replace the P2E business model amid the downturn in cryptocurrency prices.
"It's a model that is not sustainable at all," Chase Freo, CEO of gaming platform OP Games, said during a panel at the event. Freo provides the example of Axie Infinity's shift in some of its flagship titles.
During the panel discussion, Paul Flanagan, head of business development at Estonian mobile game developer CM Games, expressed his opinion on the central issue surrounding P2E models. He described them as "zero-sum" and noted their resemblance to Ponzi schemes. Flanagan mentioned that while brand sponsorship could potentially serve as a viable revenue stream, its effectiveness in practice remains to be seen.
Grand Theft Auto V has sold more than 180 million units worldwide since 2015, making it one of the most successful gaming titles ever released. According to revenue estimates from Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, the franchise has generated more than $8 billion over the past decade. GTA is a highly profitable franchise, and switching to a P2E model would be risky for Rockstar.
Rockstar NFT Ban
In November 2022, Rockstar updated its website to clarify that fan-operated Grand Theft Auto V servers could no longer use crypto assets, specifically NFTs.
Fan-operated servers allow for modifications to a PC game and interaction between players. As for Grand Theft Auto, some servers implemented NFTs to give players ownership of in-game goods such as cars and weapons. Rockstar's ban was a setback for fans hoping for NFTs in the franchise.
Lastly, the franchise is known for its humorous style. Many cryptocurrency enthusiasts believe that the next Grand Theft Auto could include crypto elements in its narrative, justifying years of rumors about the game taking a crypto approach.
Cointelegraph contacted Rockstar regarding the rumors but did not receive an immediate response. The company has neither denied nor confirmed the crypto status of GTA 6. The title is expected to release in 2024.
