GTA Online Is Slamming The Banhammer On Crypto And NFTs
Within "Grand Theft Auto Online" — the highly profitable standalone multiplayer mode attached to "Grand Theft Auto 5" — some players have flocked to what are called "RP" games. These are essentially modded servers that allow players to live out realistic lives within the game in a multiplayer environment. While it's become a popular arm of an already popular title, role-playing servers in "GTA Online" have also apparently been hotbeds for shady dealings involving NFTs, cryptocurrency, and loot boxes. Because of this, Rockstar has finally begun to crack down on the practices following a recent update to its legal enforcement policy for online play.
The update to this policy was made on November 18 and can be seen on Rockstar's support page. The policy states that while role-playing servers are technically allowed in "GTA Online," players must conform to the rules regarding PC single-player mods. Historically, this has meant that while players are free to modify their experience in "GTA Online," the line has been drawn on anything that seeks to either monetize the modded experiences or violate the intellectual property rights of other licenses not already featured in the game. And now, players can add NFTs and crypto to that list as well.
Rockstar's updated role-playing policy prohibits NFTs and crypto-related assets
Following the changes made to Rockstar's policy that "GTA Online" — as well as the less focused on "Red Dead Online" — players must adhere to, the sale of crypto, loot boxes, and other related assets within roleplaying servers is now considered to be "commercial exploitation." This means that anyone who attempts to sell any of these products within "GTA Online" or makes a roleplaying server that offers the products is now subject to a ban from Rockstar. In full, Rockstar's policy prohibits "the sale of 'loot boxes' for real-world currency or its in-game equivalent, the sale of virtual currencies, generating revenue via corporate sponsorships or in-game integrations, or the use of cryptocurrencies or crypto assets (e.g. 'NFTs')."
Outside of NFTs, loot boxes, and other crypto-related assets, the following is also currently prohibited when participating in roleplaying servers on"Grand Theft Auto Online":
- Misusing the Rockstar Games brand or its game IP.
- Importation or misuse of other IPs in the project, including other Rockstar IPs, real-world brands, characters, trademarks, or music.
- Making new games, stories, missions, or maps.
- Interfering with official multiplayer or online services, including 'Grand Theft Auto Online' and 'Red Dead Online.'
While it may not affect every player, those partaking in some "GTA Online" roleplaying can worry less about the shady side of the game.