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GTA copycat Paradise is an alleged crypto scam, yet continues to gain Steam wishlistsMore red flags than a ski slope
More red flags than a ski slope
Image credit:Ultra Games
Image credit:Ultra Games
Even at a surface glance, Paradise looks like aGrand Theft Auto Onlinepretender with added AI goop - not particularly appealing when placed next to Rockstar’s high quality and “hand crafted” cityscapes. Here’s the early trailer for the game:
PARADISE ® | Official TrailerWatch on YouTube
PARADISE ® | Official Trailer
As you can see, it’s very “we’ve got Los Santos at home”. Many elements, including the minimap, map text, and even the beach umbrellas, look identical to those found in either GTA V orthe trailer for GTA VI. The company have even copied the music and motto froma fan-made trailer for a now defunct GTA roleplaying server, which was itself called “Paradise Roleplay”.
Last month, various YouTubersbrought up these concernsaround the game, including the fact that early trailers showed unlicensed Lamborghinis. Most chutzpah-ly of all, Paradise promised the ability to interact with AI versions of popular influencers like Pokimane and Fortnite streamer Lachlan Power, among many others. However, none of those big-time streamers have said anything about the game on their public channels. The trailer that promises AI cameos of these influencers is still showing on Steam, but the game’s website now admits that certain high profile streamfolk won’t appear, claiming that “not all contracts were finalized within the expected timeframe.”
Image credit:Ultra Games
Despite all this, the game is still gaining followers on Steam. Paradise had 20,000 followers a month ago, according togame-stats.com, and that has since risen to over 30,000 followers. To put this into perspective,Final Fantasy VII Rebirthhas around 27,000 followers at time of print, whileMafia: The Old Countryhas around 40,000. It is enough to get Paradise onto the stat site’s top ten list of “trending upcoming games”.
Image credit:Ultra Games
I’ve asked Valve if they have existing concerns about the game and whether it ought to be allowed on the store. Meanwhile, it looks like Epic Games have already removed the game from sale, its store page nowredirecting to a 404 not found.
As for the creators of the unreleased game, they have posteda lengthy and defensive FAQon their website which more or less repeatedly hollers “we’re doing nothing illegal, promise!” You might expect a GTA-like’s FAQ to include stuff like “What guns will I get?” or “How many jet skis can I own?” But for Paradise we get answers to: “Where is your company’s registered legal address?” and “Are there specialists from other countries, including Russia, on your team?” These are questions a player shouldn’t have to ask once, never mindfrequently.
