Rockstar Games' collaboration with Netflix aims to help smooth the transition of the GTA experience to mobile platforms.
In a surprise announcement, Netflix has revealed that the recently released remastered versions of the iconic Grand Theft Auto games, Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas, will launch on the streaming platform's mobile apps starting December 14.
Subscribers will be able to access the controversial yet highly influential open world classics as part of the existing Netflix Games catalog at no additional charge.
Rockstar Games collaborated with Netflix to prepare updated mobile ports of some of the most revered entries from the bestselling franchise. Collectively dubbed as the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition, these remasters released on consoles and PC in 2021 as part of the series' 20th anniversary celebration.
While the visual overhaul and modernized gameplay aimed to introduce older GTA games to new and, potentially, younger audiences, initial fan reception was mixed at best.
Countless glitches, inconsistent art direction and stability frustrations left the hardcore devotees of the PS2-era originals feeling cold towards the efforts. Hence, skepticism exists around gameplay translating smoothly to smartphone displays.
Nonetheless, opening the door for Netflix's hundreds of millions of current subscribers to explore Tommy Vercetti's 80's Miami antics or CJ's 90's west coast gang warfare nostalgia still signals massive mainstream exposure for GTA. Perhaps the enhanced portability can offset lingering remaster quality concerns for those lacking past elemental familiarity.
If it's any consolation, the updated mobile graphics settings beyond those in the console editions may help restore the period-appropriate aesthetic synonymous to GTA.
The seamless availability through the default Netflix app on mobile phones will aim to lower the barrier of entry. Signing in prompts active members towards the Netflix Games row, where the GTA Trilogy then redirects towards the storefront for a one-touch complimentary addition to your library.
While only listed for mobile distribution thus far, hopes still remain that Netflix could become the streaming home for a potential Grand Theft Auto television adaptation one day. For now, remnants of forgotten PlayStation eras reemerge in its revitalized form, perfect for nostalgic joyriding when mid-December rolls around.
Rockstar is currently preparing for the official reveal of Grand Theft Auto VI in early December. Ahead of the teaser, GTA Online just got a two-week-long event.
