Grand Theft Auto 6: Extended Look Sparks Netflix Viewership Spike, as Streamer Experiences Momentary Wobble

Netflix US viewership spiked by 50% yesterday as Rockstar debuted its Grand Theft Auto 6: Extended Look.

That's according to audience data provided to IGN by market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, when comparing Netflix's US audience to the same time on the previous day.

Compared to the streamer's average US viewership over the past 12 weeks on a Thursday, mobile use was up almost 50%. Web visitors soared by 125%, meanwhile, as countless subscribers tuned in from their PCs (perhaps sneakily watching from work or classes).

Details

While the launch of Netflix's GTA 6 broadcast was ultimately successful, users in multiple countries reported experiencing momentary technical difficulties at the moment of its premiere. If you saw the below error screen — featuring someone's hand and a very wonky cake — you certainly were not alone. Countless users reported seeing similar across social media, including high-profile streamers, and we certainly saw the same here at IGN. Thankfully, the problem resolved itself within around 30 seconds.

"Utilizing lexicon-stirring events tied to notable IP has helped expand Netflix's appeal as an all-encompassing entertainment platform," Abe Yousef, Senior Insights Analyst said. "By aligning itself with the launch of a highly anticipated console title, Netflix is converting heightened consumer interest into re-engagement from lapsed viewers and sign-ups from non-subscribers."

Sensor Tower data has also given an update on GTA 6's pre-order numbers, with more than 4.5 million copies already sold, generating nearly $450 million in revenue — and that's before the GTA 6: Extended Look aired. (It seems likely that number has now risen significantly higher.) Of the copies sold so far, more than three quarters are on PlayStation 5.

90% of pre-orders are for the game's $100 Ultimate Edition, meanwhile. This is an impressive statistic, though this will likely skew higher than at launch due to pre-order customers typically being more hardcore players.

IGN is one of the very few outlets to have been given an exclusive preview of GTA 6. We also have details on GTA 6's romance system, how long GTA 6 will take to beat, every GTA 6 side activity we've spotted so far, and how GTA 6's bigger map compares to past Rockstar games as part of our exhaustive and ongoing coverage. Up to speed on all that? Here's 69 new gameplay details we spotted during our time with GTA 6.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social