The gaming community is showing fervent anticipation for "Grand Theft Auto 6" (GTA 6), a phenomenon that has propelled the classic GTA games to the top of Netflix's gaming platform. This trend was recently highlighted at a recent conference by Strauss Zelnik, CEO of Take Two Interactive, parent company of Rockstar Games, creator of the "Grand Theft Auto" franchise.
Zelnik revealed that "Grand Theft Auto Trilogy" dominated the Netflix gaming platform in terms of downloads, following the announcement of the upcoming release of GTA 6. "Grand Theft Auto Trilogy", released in 2021, brings together three iconic titles of the series: " Grand Theft Auto III", "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" and "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas", originally released between 2001 and 2004.
This collection saw a revival on Netflix's gaming platform, launched in 2021 as an initiative to offer a "more engaging service" aimed at keeping users active and engaged, according to Investor's Business Daily. The addition of "Grand Theft Auto Trilogy" to its offering quickly made it the most popular gaming option on Netflix.
The announcement of "Grand Theft Auto 6" in December generated a "halo effect" on the entire franchise, increasing excitement and involvement in the GTA universe, as Zelnik pointed out. That dynamic not only revitalized interest in the trilogy, but also boosted sales of "Grand Theft Auto V," which, according to Lainie Goldstein, CFO of Take Two, "exceeded expectations" last quarter. The game has sold over 195 million units since its release in 2013.
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However, the announcement that the long-awaited GTA sequel will be released in 2025 caused the publisher's share price to drop by up to 7%. Still, the announcement event itself was a significant moment online, with the game's first trailer setting a YouTube record for the most views of a non-music video, as Zelnik noted. The trailer has amassed over 170 million views as of this writing.
Zelnik praised the partnership between Rockstar and Netflix to launch "GTA Trilogy" on its platform as a "resounding success" and hinted at the possibility of other games being released on Netflix Games. "We'd love to do more with Netflix," Zelnik said, emphasizing a desire to continue the partnership as long as consumers are happy and the economic arrangements are favorable.
Looking ahead to a "transformative" future, Take Two is preparing to launch dozens of new titles, anticipating revenue of "just over" $7 billion for fiscal 2025, Goldstein said. This collaboration between Netflix and Take Two Interactive marks a turning point in the evolution of game streaming services, setting a new standard for integrating classic and new games into digital entertainment platforms.
The partnership between Netflix and Rockstar Games not only revitalized interest in classic GTA games, but also set a precedent for how anticipation of new releases can revive established titles, highlighting the synergy between streaming platforms and game publishers. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of "Grand Theft Auto 6," the success of "Grand Theft Auto Trilogy" on Netflix Games demonstrates the popularity and lasting cultural impact of the GTA franchise.
