Netflix has added another high-octane gear to its streaming platform with the upcoming arrival of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition on December 14th. Rockstar’s legendary trio of games, Grand Theft Auto 3, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, are set to hit Netflix's app, tailored and optimized for an immersive mobile experience.

With the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer expected to drop around The Game Awards next month, Netflix’s strategic move to include these classic games amplifies its position as a multi-dimensional entertainment hub, embracing the world of gaming alongside its film and TV content.

While these two-decade-old games aren’t new to the gaming scene, the Netflix license will make them readily accessible to a wider audience, providing easy access for both returning fans eager to relive the experience and newcomers wanting to delve into these iconic titles for the first time. Netflix's announcement, while light on specific details regarding mobile enhancements, ensures that the trilogy will be playable via the App Store, Google Play, and the Netflix mobile app for subscribers.

However, Netflix's gaming venture has encountered some skepticism. According to a CNBC report from October 2023, a small fraction—less than 1%—of Netflix subscribers engage in gaming on the platform daily, though this still accounts for about 2.2 million users actively playing games via the Netflix app. In a bid to strengthen its gaming catalog, Netflix aims to blend well-known titles with fresh exclusives. Earlier this month, the streaming giant revealed plans to introduce Hades, Braid: Anniversary Edition, a game from Wonderstorm based on The Dragon Prince series, and numerous other titles to its platform.

By securing the rights to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy, Netflix is aligning its platform with the gaming zeitgeist. Now, the spotlight turns to whether this strategic move will entice more users to join the gaming action on Netflix.