Rockstar's extended look resulted in the third-largest subscriber spike on Netflix this year, according to Ampere Analysis

Rockstar's preview of Grand Theft Auto 6 on Netflix generated over 100,000 sign-ups in the US during its six-hour exclusivity window on August 27, making it the platform's third-largest subscriber spike in 2026, according to Ampere Analysis.

The preview fell behind the final instalment of Stranger Things and the Rousey vs. Carano MMA fight, but outperformed nearly all live sports events on Netflix this year.

Data indicated that over 5% of viewers who had not used Netflix in 30 days returned to watch the preview before viewing other content. Ampere reported this reactivation rate was higher than for any other series or film on the platform during the period.

The GTA 6 extended preview reached 31.1 million views on Netflix within four days. Data from Sensor Tower showed that US mobile viewership for Netflix increased by 35% hour-over-hour, while web traffic rose by 125%.

In the UK, the preview increased sales of PlayStation and Xbox hardware by 33% and 34% respectively, according to Nielsen IQ.

Ampere highlighted that while Netflix's games division focuses on mobile titles, the platform can engage AAA audiences through exclusive previews, trailers, and adaptations of franchises such as Cyberpunk and The Witcher.

Ampere estimated that by the end of 2026, Netflix will have nearly 343 million subscribers worldwide, with 16% of subscribers not playing games.

"Netflix may not be able to compete directly with the biggest AAA game franchises, but it can vie for the attention around them," said Ampere Analysis senior research analyst Katie Holt.

"Trailers, reveals, and adaptations give Netflix a way into gaming culture without owning the games themselves. GTA 6 is a particularly powerful example, given the scale of the franchise and the anticipation around its launch."

Senior research manager Louise Wooldridge added: "More than 100,000 sign-ups from a six-hour exclusive window shows the pulling power of a major gaming event."

"For Netflix, it also offers a way to compete with YouTube for gamer attention and to bring lapsed viewers back to the platform. For Rockstar, Netflix opens GTA 6 up to audiences beyond the franchise’s traditional core."

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