Netflix has been trying to make its name in the gaming industry for a while. The streaming platform started with the mobile industry over two years ago and has now begun to partner with big studios to expand further.
At the start of the year, Netflix confirmed that it would release over 40 games in 2023, but it appears the company has much bigger ambitions than expected. According to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix wants to make its own GTA game.
Why it matters: The Grand Theft Auto franchise is arguably the biggest property in all of entertainment, with GTA 5 having sold over 185 million units.
Wall Street Journal just reported on Netflix’s ambitions for the gaming industry. This plan includes a focus on games that can be streamed, which would put it in competition against Sony and Microsoft.
While a transition from mobile games will not be easy for Netflix, it hopes to rely on licensed IPs to bring players toward its platform. Among these licenses, properties like Squid Game have been given the most priority.
However, the report also points to Grand Theft Auto. It states:
“It has discussed plans to release a game within “Grand Theft Auto” from Take-Two Interactive.”
While this certainly sounds ambitious, we believe Netflix is unlikely to secure such a license.
Given the fact that Rockstar Games has been so stingy with new Grand Theft Auto releases, it seems highly unlikely that Take-Two would provide it to a third party.
Additionally, the GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition was recently handled by Grove Street Games, and it turned out to be a disaster. This experience may further deter the publisher from lending its IP to an inexperienced studio.
Nonetheless, this report proves Netflix is serious about its plans for the industry. Even if the company is unable to secure a license for Grand Theft Auto, it could turn toward several other IPs.
As for the Grand Theft Auto series, GTA 6 is expected to arrive within the next two years. Therefore, Netflix will likely find it extremely difficult to develop its own GTA spin-off.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
[News Reporter]
Abiyan is on track to complete his Computer Science bachelor’s degree. His enthusiasm for writing and gaming motivates him to keep readers and gamers updated with the latest information from the industry. In his free time, Abiyan enjoys playing Dota 2 and Rocket League. Abiyan has also been cited in reputed websites such as Kitguru, Comicbook, GamingBible, Eurogamer and Gamingbolt.
