After years of anticipation, game developer Rockstar Games finally released the official trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI yesterday, announcing its scheduled release for 2025. Rumors suggested the game might introduce a cryptocurrency reward system, but it remains unconfirmed by the authorities. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, has sold over 190 million copies, making it the second best-selling video game in history.
Promoting Gaming Tokens
The anticipated gaming trend inspired by GTA, coupled with a generally optimistic crypto market, may trigger a surge in gaming tokens. Tokens like Enjin Coin (ENJ), ApeCoin (APE), Axie Infinity (AXS), Decentraland (MANA), and The Sandbox (SAND) are notably connected to this sector and are poised to potentially gain from it, akin to the response witnessed following the Illuvium launch on the Epic Games Store.
The Rumors
Rumors circulated online since last year that Grand Theft Auto 6 would integrate blockchain technology for a cryptocurrency-based reward system. It was speculated that Bitcoin might be used as a payment method and reward token in the game. However, these rumors have not been officially confirmed by Rockstar or its parent company Take-Two.
In May this year, Web3 gaming influencer Brycent stated that the plan to introduce a crypto reward system is a rumor. While there will be crypto elements in Grand Theft Auto 6, they won't hold real-world value.
Prohibition of the Use of NFTs and Crypto
However, in November last year, Rockstar officially issued a ban, establishing new rules for fan-made "Grand Theft Auto V" role-playing servers. Grand Theft Auto VI prohibits the use of NFTs in third-party online servers, and developers are also unable to integrate cryptocurrencies or NFTs.
The related rules stated as below,
"Commercial exploitation, including the sale of “loot boxes” for real-world currency or its in-game equivalent, the sale of virtual currencies, operation of server by or on behalf of (or in commercial association with) a third-party brand, generating revenue via corporate sponsorships or in-game integrations, or the use of cryptocurrencies or crypto assets (e.g. "NFTs")"