GTA 6 Sets Unprecedented Viewership Records, Surpassing Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Combined”
Grand Theft Auto 6 has once again asserted the cultural dominance of the gaming industry, as the highly anticipated debut trailer amassed a staggering 69.2 million views within a mere 15 hours. This astronomical viewership not only solidifies the unwavering popularity of the Grand Theft Auto franchise but also eclipses the combined view counts of some of the most significant game trailers in recent years, including Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Scheduled for an official premiere on December 5, the GTA 6 trailer was unleashed a day earlier due to an unforeseen leak, captivating the gaming world and beyond. The rapid ascent of views, accumulating tens of thousands per minute, has set a new benchmark for the industry.
Comparatively, Cyberpunk 2077, a highly anticipated title from CD Projekt Red, recorded 28.6 million views for its initial teaser trailer. Rockstar’s previous blockbuster, Red Dead Redemption 2, garnered 23.1 million views for its debut, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the sequel to the acclaimed Breath of the Wild, secured 16.1 million views for its first look trailer. Collectively, these three powerhouse games tallied a lifetime viewership of 67.8 million views, a milestone that GTA 6 effortlessly surpassed within a single day.
The GTA 6 trailer unfolded the return to Vice City, Rockstar’s rendition of Miami, promising a sprawling map that extends beyond city limits into the fictional Florida known as Leonida, teeming with real-world references and parodies.
While the trailer generated immense excitement, it also stirred frustration, particularly among PC players excluded from the initial release platforms. Rockstar developers themselves expressed dismay over the premature leak, echoing the sentiments of an entire industry disappointed by the untimely revelation.
As the countdown to the 2025 release date on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S began, GTA 7 surfaced as a trending topic, exemplifying the insatiable appetite and perpetual anticipation within the gaming community. Grand Theft Auto 6, with its record-breaking trailer, has undeniably redefined the standards of anticipation and engagement in the gaming landscape.