Why is Grand Theft Auto 6 unlikely to include cryptocurrencies?

by Jeremy

Rumors suggesting that Grand Theft Auto 6 will incorporate cryptocurrencies floor each occasionally, fueling expectations that the extremely awaited recreation might incorporate digital property as rewards for gamers, nonfungible tokens (NFTs) as in-game items, and even as a part of the storyline’s humor.

The newest speculations within the crypto neighborhood emerged final week on Twitter, however thus far, there isn’t any indication that Rockstar Video games, writer of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, plans to leap into Web3. Cointelegraph appeared on the newest rumors and information about the potential for an upcoming crypto GTA.

Play-to-Earn is not seen as an environment friendly enterprise mannequin

Play-to-earn (P2E) video games permit customers to earn cryptocurrencies by enjoying video games. The enterprise mannequin, nonetheless, has been deemed as unsustainable, regardless of the joy over blockchain-based video games.

Throughout the NFT.NYC in April, recreation publishers and builders highlighted that the business is exploring options to switch the P2E enterprise mannequin amid the crypto costs downturn.

“It’s a mannequin that’s not sustainable in any respect,” stated Chase Freo, CEO of gaming platform OP Video games throughout a panel on the occasion, giving the instance of Axie Infinity’s shift in a few of its flagship titles.

Throughout the panel dialogue, Paul Flanagan, the top of enterprise improvement at CM Video games, an Estonian cell recreation developer, voiced his opinion on the core situation surrounding P2E fashions. He described them as “zero-sum” and highlighted their resemblance to Ponzi schemes. Flanagan talked about that whereas branding sponsorship may doubtlessly function a viable income supply, its effectiveness in apply stays to be seen.

In accordance with Statista, Grand Theft Auto 5 has offered over 180 million models worldwide since 2015, making it some of the profitable recreation titles ever launched. Based mostly on estimates on the income of Rockstar’s mum or dad firm Take-Two Interactive, over $8 billion has been generated by the franchise during the last decade. Contemplating these figures, Grand Theft Auto has been a worthwhile title thus far. Shifting to a P2E mannequin can be a dangerous enterprise for Rockstar.

Lifetime unit gross sales generated by Grand Theft Auto 5 worldwide as of Might 2023. Supply: Take-Two Interactive, Statista.

Rockstar’s NFT ban

Final November, Rockstar up to date its web site to clarify that fan-operated servers for Grand Theft Auto 5 may not make the most of crypto property, particularly NFTs.

A fan-operated server permits modifications to a PC recreation and interplay between gamers. As for Grand Theft Auto, some servers carried out NFTs to provide gamers possession of in-game items, corresponding to vehicles and weapons. Rockstar’s ban was a setback to followers hoping for NFTs within the franchise.

Lastly, the franchise is understood for its humorous type. Many crypto fans consider that the subsequent Grand Theft Auto may embrace crypto components in its narrative, which might justify the years of rumors in regards to the recreation taking a crypto method. 

Cointelegraph reached out to Rockstar relating to the rumors, however didn’t obtain a right away response. As of now, the corporate has neither denied nor confirmed GTA6’s crypto standing. The title is anticipated to be launched in 2024.

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