Rockstar “Trying New Things” with GTA VI Netflix Preview Deal

Grand Theft Auto VI, netflix, Rockstar Games

Last week, Rockstar Games announced the unprecedented step of offering a first look at the biggest entertainment release of all time, Grand Theft Auto VI, via Netflix. Airing exclusively to Netflix for only six hours on August 27, 2026 at 3pm ET,

Over the last few months, Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick has become increasingly vocal about the game’s road to launch. Zelnick has spoke about the price of the game, which many feared would be the first $100 video game; the decision to keep the game console only initially; and more recently that 90% of their game sales are digital, backing up their decision to ship GTA VI without a disc.

Now, speaking to IGN on the decision to partner with streaming giant, Netflix to offer the brief exclusive deep dive into GTA VI Zelnick said: “If you’re not a subscriber, you definitely should be one.” Speaking bullishly about what will be one of the most watched video game trailers of all time, he added: “I’m sure you’re going to watch it because everyone is.”

Zelnick, unsurprisingly, doesn’t go into any deal details or quid pro quo of the partnership but comments “I think this is an example of Rockstar trying new things and marketing the title and I hope there’s much more to come.” Gamers are accustomed to trailers being available as a YouTube first. But, given the broader, casual and mainstream appeal of both Netflix and Grand Theft Auto, broadcasting via the streaming platform will only grow the number of eyes on the title.

grand theft auto vi — Image credits: Rockstar Games

Undoubtedly a big move from Rockstar, it’s also a power play from Netflix. Their VP of Nonfiction Series, Brandon Riegg last week said: “It’s a reflection of what we hope Netflix is becoming: a place where the most ambitious storytelling, from any medium, can find the biggest possible audience.” Rockstar Games deliver some of the strongest storytelling in the industry – Red Dead Redemption 2’s writing is some of the greatest ever. You can expect to learn much more about Jason and Lucia’s Vice City love story on August 27.

Grand Theft Auto VI launches on PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S, November 19, 2026. Pre-orders are available now for both digital and ‘physical’ versions which are a code in a box, with pre-install available from November 12.

Will you be watching the GTA VI extended look via Netflix? Or will you be watching later on YouTube? Let us know in the comments below or join the friendly and active Gamer Social Club Discord to chat about all your favourite games.