Netflix (NFLX) has announced plans to offer the highly popular “Grand Theft Auto” trilogy by Take Two Interactive (TTWO). The trilogy, titled “Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition,” is set to debut on the platform on December 14, exclusively for Netflix subscribers on the App Store, Google Play, and within the Netflix mobile app. Interested fans can pre-register starting this Wednesday. With the announcement of the exclusive release of the “Grand Theft Auto Trilogy,” Netflix is set to dominate the gaming landscape, making a strategic power play to expand its influence in the ever-evolving world of interactive entertainment.
This addition marks a significant expansion of Netflix’s gaming catalog, which already boasts over 80 mobile games, with more expected to join the lineup in the future. Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters emphasized the immense potential of the gaming sector during the company’s recent earnings call, stating, “Games is a huge entertainment opportunity,” highlighting the $140 billion consumer spend on games outside of China and Russia.
Peters outlined Netflix’s strategic approach, expressing confidence in building games as a robust content category. He believes that by connecting members, especially those devoted to specific intellectual properties (IPs), with games they love, Netflix can enhance engagement, retention, and overall value delivery, thereby driving core business metrics.
The “Grand Theft Auto” series, developed by Take Two Interactive, is renowned as one of the most iconic titles in gaming history. The franchise, comprising titles such as “Grand Theft Auto III,” “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City,” and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” has collectively sold over 410 million units, as reported in the latest earnings release by Take Two Interactive.
The series’ latest installment, “Grand Theft Auto V,” achieved the milestone of being the fastest retail property to reach $1 billion in sales. The online component, “Grand Theft Auto Online,” continues to generate substantial revenue for the publisher, adding to the franchise’s commercial success.
This strategic move by Netflix coincides with Take Two’s anticipation of releasing the first trailer for the highly awaited “Grand Theft Auto VI” in December, with the full game expected to hit stores in 2024.
Despite the potential boon the addition of the “Grand Theft Auto Trilogy” represents for Netflix’s gaming platform, it faces formidable competition. Microsoft, having acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, has become a significant player in the mobile gaming industry, particularly with the inclusion of Activision’s King mobile brand and its popular “Candy Crush Saga” collection.
Microsoft’s overarching goal is to establish its cloud-based Xbox Cloud Gaming platform on mobile devices, aiming to provide a comprehensive gaming solution for users seeking access to high-end titles without the need for expensive consoles or PCs. Apple, with its App Store, also stands as a dominant force in the mobile gaming industry.
For Netflix to establish itself as a formidable gaming option, it will need to continue expanding its library with a diverse range of titles.
In conclusion, as Netflix unveils its plans to introduce the iconic “Grand Theft Auto Trilogy,” it becomes increasingly evident that the streaming giant is not merely entering the gaming arena—it is poised to set new standards. Netflix is set to dominate the gaming industry with its innovative approach and strategic vision.
Source: Yahoo Finance
