Netflix Receiving Grand Theft Auto Games in December
Announced by Netflix earlier this week, three of the most beloved entries in the Grand Theft Auto franchise will come to the service as part of the ‘Netflix Games’ branding. However, there are a few catches to note. Firstly, as with games provided through Netflix currently, you’ll have to experience them purely on mobile since, as of 2023, there is still no option to play them on any other device- including TV or PC. The second is that these versions of the game are the so-called ‘definitive editions’ of the games, which is enough to put a lot of potential players off.
Image by Rockstar Games
The three games coming are GTA: III, GTA: Vice City and GTA: San Andreas. While all critically acclaimed and beloved by their fanbases, the recent remasters were less than stellar. Each of the definitive versions of these classic games were launched in 2021 and promised upgraded visuals and frame-rates while still staying true to the originals. Unfortunately, however, with game-breaking bugs, terrible performance issues and visuals that were outclassed even by the originals, these were far from the ultimate ways to experience these games.
Image by Rockstar Games
With their initial launch receiving a ‘weak’ rating on Opencritic- with only 13% of critics recommending them- it may seem strange as to why these are the versions that Netflix subscribers will be getting. Well, it seems that Rockstar is dedicated to keeping the definitive versions as essentially the only viable way to play these games. The original release versions are not even available on Steam anymore- meaning these ‘definitive’ offerings are the only ones still able to be purchased on the storefront. You can still buy the classic versions on the Apple and Android app stores, but it’s unclear as to whether these will stay available after the definitive versions drop onto mobile via Netflix.
Image by Rockstar Games
With Rockstar Games confirming a Grand Theft Auto VI announcement trailer coming sometime this month, its clear that the hype has started to build up towards the next entry in this legendary franchise. It’s a shame, then, that the company seems less interested in making sure that their rereleases and remasters are up to the standard of their mainline projects. This can be seen even as recently as this year- with the overpriced PS5 and Switch port of Red Dead Redemption being priced at an outrageous £40. Hopefully, moving forward, more care is placed into these releases. However, for now, if Netflix is the only way you’re able to play games, you’ll have to settle with the worst versions of the classic GTA Trilogy when it comes to the service on December 14th.
