Real-world collaborations in video games are a curious thing. For the record, they do happen, and happen more than you might think. Never forget that certain snack brands went full-tilt in the ’90s and made video games based on their mascots. Seriously, it was awesome. Furthermore, we’ve seen unique collaborations between high-end car makers and legendary publishers like Nintendo, as well as whole racing series dedicated to driving the best luxury cars on the market. However, when it comes to Rockstar Games and titles like the upcoming GTA 6, things are a bit murkier than you might think. Although some people think that’ll change.
You see, on Reddit, one poster looked back at one of the GTA 6 trailers and felt that the vehicles within look a LOT like various real-world models, which could be the sign of true collaborations in the future:
“There’s been a cultural shift over the past decade. GTA is no longer just the dark, controversial game that fox news boomers used to criticize. It’s now a widely accepted cultural product, and the hype surrounding GTA 6 has taken that even further.
Some car manufacturers are already partnering with racing games to promote their models. So why not the most anticipated game of all time?”
It’s an interesting question, and one that would make sense if this were simply a business or monetary perspective. After all, the game will undoubtedly sell many millions right at launch, it’s all but guaranteed. However, others weren’t so sure about that, because it’s not just about the cars being in the game, but what players themselves can DO with the cars:
“Ferrari does not want their car to have a big spoiler, fenders, and slammed to the ground on white walls. But Rockstar can do that because they dont have to follow the manufacturers car because it isn’t their car.”
Yeah, customization is a key part of these experiences, as you’re SUPPOSED to “pimp your ride” to make it whatever you want it to. Not to mention, you’re allowed to ditch a car and hijack someone else’s because you like it more. Many car makers wouldn’t want that.
Plus, there’s the “elephant in the room,” where if car dealers were to put their cars in the game, it stands to reason that gamers would take those rides and make them weapons in one form or another, and that could bring a lot of bad press on the car makers.
So, while some rides in the game may “resemble” classic rides, it’s unlikely that corporate sponsors are on the way…not that the game needs them to succeed, mind you…
