Rumors on social media suggest that Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) might integrate cryptocurrencies, leading to speculation that the game could offer digital assets as player rewards and incorporate nonfungible tokens (NFTs) in various ways, including humorously within the game’s storyline. Base on a Cointelegraph report, these recent speculations emerged on Twitter within the crypto community. However, there is currently no indication that Rockstar Games, the creator of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, intends to embrace Web3 technology.
Views on P2E game industry
A play-to-earn (P2E) game allows players to earn cryptocurrencies while playing, but the sustainability of this business model has come into question despite initial excitement surrounding blockchain-based games.
At NFT.NYC in April, industry professionals discussed alternatives to the P2E model due to the downturn in crypto prices. Some noted that the model is unsustainable and likened it to Ponzi schemes. While branding sponsorship could potentially be a viable revenue source, its practical effectiveness remains uncertain.
Rockstar stance on crypto integration in games
Grand Theft Auto V has been immensely successful, selling over 180 million units since 2015 and generating more than $8 billion in revenue for Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, over the past decade. As a highly profitable franchise, shifting to a P2E model would entail risks for Rockstar.
In November 2022, Rockstar updated its website to explicitly prohibit fan-operated Grand Theft Auto V servers from utilizing crypto assets, particularly NFTs. Some servers had implemented NFTs to grant players ownership of in-game items like cars and weapons. This ban disappointed fans hoping for NFT integration in the franchise.
Lastly, Grand Theft Auto is known for its comedic style. Many crypto enthusiasts speculate that the next installment, GTA 6, could incorporate crypto elements in its narrative, which would align with the persistent rumors about the game’s crypto approach.
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