Cryptocurrencies and NFTs have been banned from the unlikeliest of trading grounds – the role-playing servers of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) Online.

New regulations bar trading of crypto, virtual currency and loot boxes

An update on developer Rockstar support page outlined new regulations on their role-playing servers, aligning with publisher Take-Two’s legal enforcement policy. Rockstar specifically mentions enforcement actions against “commercial exploitation”, which include sale of loot boxes or virtual currencies, generation of revenue via corporate sponsorships and use of cryptocurrency and crypto assets e.g. NFTs. This regulation, in line with existing rules for single player mods, will apply to all facets of Grand Theft Auto across all platforms. It will also extend to Rockstar’s other albeit less popular online game, Red Dead online.

So, what does this new set of rules mean for the game? Rockstar has assured that the existing experience of role-play servers will not be affected, including third party servers. Unlike the typical story-driven missions of a GTA game, the role-playing servers focus more on community-driven experiences. These are living and breathing worlds with all members having their own careers and personal lives. As you would expect in any online world, there is a thriving trading community. Unfortunately, some members have taken to selling some “less than savory” things to the developer’s distaste. These include licensed music and sponsorship deals, in-game currency to the much-maligned loot boxes.

Only recently, an online server started by rapper Lil Durk called “The Trenches” was shutdown by Rockstar for just this reason. As reported by Ars Technica, the role-playing server actively integrated real word gaming brands and a “Trenches Pass” NFT drop to access specific on-server content. Less than 3 months since its launch, the server was instructed to be shutdown by both Rockstar and TakeTwo. This event appeared to be the precursor of the new crackdown on crypto.

Safety of the community and the experience first

The new regulations also mention enforcement actions against misuse of Rockstar Games trademarks or game intellectual property (IP), importation of these IP or trademarks and interference with online multiplayer and online servers of both GTA and Red Dead. It appears Rockstar and Take-Two intend to safeguard their assets from misuse and the community experience in role-playing servers. The barring of loot boxes and the barely predictable cryptocurrencies and crypto assets safeguard finances too.

However, a final regulation also specifies enforcement actions on “making new games, stories, missions, or maps”. Although not elaborated on, both developer and publisher assure the existence of third-party role-playing servers are not affected. Will there be an impact on server content or community creativity? That remains to be seen.

Sources: Kotaku, ArsTechnica