Rockstar Initiated Netflix Deal for GTA 6 Extended Look, Not the Other Way Around

The massive Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look mostly went off without a hitch, and it turns out it was Rockstar Games' idea to bring it to Netflix, not the streaming giant's. Amid the unprecedented hype for GTA 6, fans were confused when Rockstar announced the gameplay debut would be a Netflix exclusive for six hours before hitting YouTube. The first real look at Jason and Lucia's story wowed viewers, but the question remained: why Netflix? Many assumed it was a high-value deal cooked up by Netflix to attract subscribers, but a Rockstar PR representative told Kinda Funny Games that it was actually the developer's idea. The quote: "We wanted to go to Netflix." This answer may generate more questions than answers. Rockstar first raised eyebrows when it announced the exclusive streaming plan earlier this month, promising a lengthy version of the third trailer for subscribers only. Fans who waited 13 years for the next Grand Theft Auto were annoyed they'd have to wait longer if they didn't subscribe. One fan on X said, "This is unbelievably scummy... if any other studio, such as Bethesda, did this, they would be crucified." Some were willing to be patient, and excitement grew after Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick promised the extended look would be worth it. He called it "an example of Rockstar trying new things" and told Bloomberg, "I think when the title is launched on Netflix, if you watch it, you'll understand more." He also told IGN, "If you're not a Netflix subscriber, you definitely should be one." Now that the trailer is out, it's still unclear why Rockstar chose Netflix specifically. With months to go before launch, future marketing plans are unknown, and we might see more entries in the Extended Look. For now, all we know is Rockstar has its reasons. IGN got an early look and was impressed. Check out our preview, interview, 69 details from Rockstar HQ, the returning GTA Online character, and the Red Dead Redemption 2 Easter egg hidden in the extended look.