A shady cryptocurrency-based GTA 6 knockoff is set to debut on Steam this week, defying Valve’s ban on blockchain games.

An alleged cryptocurrency scam that models itself on Grand Theft Auto 6 will be launching on Steam this week, despite Valve’s promises that they do not allow NFT or blockchain games to exist on the platform. Paradise has been advertised as an action game set in a sunny city which will allow players to drive cars, shoot enemies, and earn money. But its in-game currency is based on blockchain technology, and some reports allege it is a scam based in Russia which does not allow its crypto investors to withdraw funds. When asked why the game is allowed on the platform, Valve have repeatedly neglected to comment.

Paradise will be releasing into early access on April 2, say developers Ultra Games. A recent trailer shows a player inspecting guns, walking through a garage full of cars, and navigating a world split up with loading screens made with AI-generated art designed to look like the loading screens of the Grand Theft Auto series. Previous trailers boast that you can speak to any NPC using AI technology.

“Play with your friends, engage in shootouts, race cars, complete daily missions, and reach the apex of life,” reads a blurb. “Earn money and buy what you want, from real estate to fancy clothes.” The creators have boasted that the game is in Steam’s top 200 most wishlisted games. It’s possible many of those Steam users aren’t aware of the game’s grubby features and history of misleading marketing.

Paradise uses a currency called the $PAR token which is based on blockchain technology, and can be invested in via a third-party app. Some investors in this cryptocoin claim they became unable to withdraw funds, as we reported in January. The developers have also falsely claimed to be working with streamers such as Ninja and Pokimane, and included unlicensed use of a Lamborghini and other cars in previous trailers.

Together with a lot of AI slop and very heavy use of Unreal Marketplace assets, the game had enough red flags that multiple YouTubers investigated the company behind it, with one discovering that the Hong Kong address listed by the company was fake and eventually discovering that it is actually based somewhere in Tbilisi, Georgia – a city with a troubled history when it comes to blockchain scammers.

“Versions of the game for Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation Store will not include cryptocurrency, ensuring there are no restrictions for users on these platforms,” say the developers in a defensive rebuttal on their website. Unfortunately, no one can verify the developer’s claims until the game is released. But even if a means to buy the currency is not present in the final release, it wouldn’t restrict the game from redirecting players to the third-party cryptocurrency app necessary for players to earn and spend the game’s $PAR token in-game. An act which, in itself, could be harmful to users, even if Valve’s terms of service don’t specifically forbid this. Since the game can still serve as a Trojan horse for hooking people into an alleged crypto scam.

On top of this, the document which insists cryptocurrency will not be in the game is full of other misleading statements, as pointed out by video creator Jetro, one of the YouTubers who previously investigated the game. The developers claim their use of a minimap from GTA 5 is allowed, for example, because “The GTA 5 map is based on the real layout of Los Angeles, which is not intellectual property”. To avoid doubt: the GTA 5 map is not a 1:1 reproduction of Los Angeles, and Rockstar own the rights to that map.

Steam banned all games that feature NFT and cryptocurrency in 2021. The Paradise developers have edited the game’s Steam page a number of times since it first appeared, removing trailers that mention cryptocurrency, for example. It’s unclear if Valve have been in contact with the developers or not. I have asked Valve for comment on this game multiple times and have not received a response.

The game is also launching on the Epic Store, but only after it was removed once and reuploaded as “Paradise XRPL” , with a store page that clearly states it is an NFT game, along with an FAQ on its crypto gubbins which insists that it is good for the game. “The introduction of a crypto token in PARADISE XRPL enhances the product by enabling streamlined transactions for in-game purchases, facilitating trade between players, and granting access to exclusive content.” I have also asked Epic Games for comment and will let you know if we learn more.