By The anticipation surrounding “Grand Theft Auto 6” has led to a resurgence in the popularity of decades-old GTA games on Netflix’s gaming platform. During a recent earnings call, Take Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnik revealed that the “Grand Theft Auto Trilogy” became the top-downloaded games on Netflix after the announcement of “GTA 6.”
Revival of Classic Titles
The “Grand Theft Auto Trilogy,” released in 2021, features three iconic titles from the franchise: “Grand Theft Auto III,” “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City,” and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.” Despite their age, these games, originally launched between 2001 and 2004, have experienced a remarkable resurgence in downloads on Netflix’s gaming platform.
Netflix’s Gaming Platform
Netflix Games, launched in 2021, was designed to enhance user engagement by offering a selection of mobile games. Following the addition of the “Grand Theft Auto Trilogy” to its library, these classic titles quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s gaming charts, showcasing the enduring popularity of the GTA franchise.
Halo Effect of ‘GTA 6’
Zelnik attributed the success of the “Grand Theft Auto Trilogy” on Netflix to the “halo effect” generated by the announcement of “GTA 6.” The buzz surrounding the upcoming sequel has reignited interest in the entire franchise, leading to increased downloads and engagement across the board.
Sales Performance and Future Outlook
Take Two also reported robust sales performance for “Grand Theft Auto V,” which continues to exceed expectations years after its initial release in 2013. Despite the announcement that “GTA 6” would not be released until 2025, the excitement surrounding the game’s unveiling has been palpable, with the trailer garnering record-breaking views on YouTube.
Collaboration with Netflix
Zelnik hailed the partnership between Rockstar Games and Netflix as a “resounding success,” indicating potential future collaborations between the two companies. Take Two is exploring the possibility of launching additional games on Netflix Games, capitalizing on the platform’s large user base and broad appeal.
Transformative Years Ahead
With plans to launch dozens of new titles in the coming years, Take Two is poised for a potentially transformative period. The company expects robust revenue growth for fiscal year 2025, reflecting its optimistic outlook and ambitious plans for expansion.