The legendary GTA 3 and Vice City, which marked the history of video games, are no longer available on Netflix Games. Launched for subscribers of the streaming service just a year ago, on December 15, 2023, alongside GTA San Andreas (my favorite!), these two classics were warmly welcomed by “old” and new players. However, a year later, they are not available. The reason? The very likely expiration of the license with Rockstar. Once again, you are the first to know.
A look back at the story of two classics
GTA Vice City and GTA 3 remain pillars of video games, even more than twenty years after their launch.
GTA 3, released in 2001, redefined the open world with its revolutionary gameplay and unparalleled freedom of action. The player embodies Claudean anonymous criminal evolving in Liberty City, a dark and violent metropolis, modeled in 3D for the first time. It was a real slap in the face for the time.
GTA Vice City, released at the end of 2002, immerses players in an atmosphere inspired by the 80s. The protagonist Tommy Vercetti explores Vice City, a fictional city reminiscent of Miami, where luxury and crime coexist. Its retro atmosphere, its cult soundtrack and its captivating storyline have made it a timeless reference. His feeling of freedom was one of his greatest assets.
A quick visit to Netflix Games
In 2023, Netflix added these two masterpieces to its catalog of mobile games, allowing subscribers to experience them for free. However, from November 2024, players had the unpleasant surprise of discovering a “Coming Soon” notice.
License expiration seems to be the main reason. This is not unusual in the business model of subscription services: Netflix had obtained temporary rights to broadcast these games and chose not to renew them. This is exactly what happens for films and series that the giant does not produce.
Another GTA available
While GTA Vice City and GTA 3 are no longer available through Netflix Games, fans can still purchase them on the App Store as standalone titles. But they haven’t been updated to take advantage of the latest screens. Fortunately, GTA San Andreas remains included in the Netflix subscription at no additional cost, suggesting that its great popularity has allowed the agreement between the two companies to be renewed. In any case, the GTA Trilogy is already buried at Netflix, on iOS and Android.
The subscription model in question
This situation illustrates the limits of the subscription model in general, and more particularly in the field of video games. While convenient, it leaves players at the mercy of licensing contracts. Many miss the days when purchasing a game guaranteed permanent access. For the moment, if you have already installed one of the two games, know that the trick is to switch to airplane mode before starting a game. So you won’t be blocked.
Who is against the subscription system for games? GTA Vice City is at €5.99 on App Storejust like GTA 3 for iOS.
Download the free game GTA: San Andreas – NETFLIX
