Netflix said that, as early next month, its users will be able to access three classic "Grand Theft Auto" games.

Released on December 14, Netflix's mobile app, Google Play, and the Apple App Store will all offer access to Rockstar Games' "Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition."

It includes "Grand Theft Auto III - The Definitive Edition," "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - The Definitive Edition," and "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - The Definitive Edition."

These mobile games are controller-free, in contrast to the majority of Netflix's gaming selection. The trilogy, which Rockstar Games first released in November 2021 for consoles and PCs, is now more accessible thanks to Netflix since users can play these beloved games without needing extra hardware.

(Photo : Unsplash/ Caspar Camille Rubin )

A Major Victory for Netflix

The takeover of "Grand Theft Auto" gives Netflix an upper hand. Statista said the franchise exceeded 405 units worldwide and became one of the most successful video game series.

This development has been preceded by "Sonic Prime Dash," an original TV series produced by Netflix built on one of Sega's best-selling games in history 'Sonic the Hedgehog.'

However, it is hard to predict whether that would impact the number of downloads by the subscribers.

Ross Benes of Insider Intelligence said that GTA is a big deal for Netflix's gaming efforts and shows that it takes gaming seriously now. Though the game attracts many people, it may have specific limitations when playing on a mobile platform.

The only question that still needs to be answered is whether this will bring more downloads of games among existing users or attract new people.

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The Netflix Gaming Community

Netflix started testing games on more giant screens in August, and the rules were that users had to use their phones as controllers when playing games on TVs.

Even though Netflix entered the gaming space two years ago, recent data indicated that less than 1% of members play Netflix games daily, which has Wall Street and industry analysts wondering about the company's gaming strategy.

During the third-quarter earnings call, Netflix's co-CEO, Greg Peters, justified the company's gaming strategy by drawing a comparison to introducing new areas or genres, where development took a gradual approach. Peters said their growth path was incremental; "We had to 'crawl, walk, run,' but we see a tremendous opportunity to establish long-term entertainment value."

However, as far as Netflix's gaming initiative is concerned, there is much more beyond getting new viewers through the titles.

Having acquired Night School, a firm involved in developing hit games such as "Oxenfree" and "Afterparty," the company decided to create its brand name.

This year, "Oxenfree II: Lost Signals" came out and became a success. The success of this movie's sequel, one can also watch on Netflix along with other platforms like Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC on Steam, shows that Netflix wants to be much more than a mere streamer.

In addition to "Oxenfree II," the site offers a selection of games based on well-known TV series as well as original titles like "Slayaway Camp 2: "Netflix & kill" is a type of game that features several other games like the ones based on "Shadow and Bone," "Money Heist," or "The Dragon Prince."

This diversification shows Netflix's interest in future gaming activities through creation of a massive game library which will go beyond Netflix's streaming users.

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