Rockstar Lets Players Relive GTA Classics Without Spending a Dime with GTA+

This move is all the more significant when we consider the pricing. GTA+ comes at a modest fee of $5.99 a month. Thus, it becomes an affordable gateway not only to these two games but also to other exclusive perks. Until November 8, the members can capitalize on exclusive GTA Online rewards such as the new Albany Brigham at The Vinewood Car Club and Double Rewards in Halloween Deathmatches. As a cherry on top, they receive a bonus of $500,000 cash credited to their in-game Maze Bank account. With all these benefits stacked together, it is clear that a mere month's subscription can offer tremendous value, especially for those keen to delve into Liberty City Stories and Chinatown Wars.

Rockstar isn't the first publisher to venture into this territory. Ubisoft and EA each have publisher-initiated offerings. So far, the reception is mixed. While some view it as a strategic evolution, others find it an unusual if greedy approach. The only difference here is Rockstar's prominence and the sheer quality of games they offer. Not to mention, it's cheap. Its entry into this space could potentially reshape the perception and viability of such models.

Of course, if you look closely, it becomes clear that Rockstar's initiative with GTA+ goes beyond mere marketing. It isn't impossible that Rockstar is using this as a test environment to gauge the viability and success of such models in future GTA releases.

Who knows? Maybe if Rockstar sees this bear fruit, it might have a better idea how much to ask Netflix to put a GTA game on its video game library.

Ultimately, the fact remains that both Chinatown Wars and Liberty City Stories have held their own in the vast award-winning GTA universe. Players have lauded Chinatown Wars for its distinct gameplay, while Liberty City Stories, despite being what can only be described as derivative of Grand Theft Auto 3, added new features like bikes and brought subtle changes that enhanced the gaming experience.

While it remains to be seen how these changes impact the broader industry, for now, GTA+ subscribers have a chance to revisit two iconic GTA titles without any additional costs.