Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the decision to premiere the next GTA 6 trailer exclusively on Netflix, but his comments have left fans seething.
Netflix Exclusivity Window
Rockstar Games announced last week that the GTA 6 Extended Look will premiere on Netflix on August 27, with a six-hour exclusivity window before it goes live on Rockstar's other social channels. Despite the trailer being free to watch just hours later, some fans are unhappy about being asked to pay for a Netflix subscription to see marketing material immediately.
Zelnick's Controversial Quote
In an interview with IGN, Zelnick explained the decision, saying: "I think Rockstar felt that a Netflix release would be a great way to show off the extended trailer. Six hours later it will be available on Rockstar's YouTube channel and I think ultimately on many other outlets, and I think this is an example of Rockstar trying new things and marketing the title and I hope there's much more to come."
However, it was his later remark that sparked outrage. Zelnick said: "As you'd imagine, I'm only going to say great things about Netflix. If you're not a Netflix subscriber, you definitely should be one. And as for the trailer itself, it's coming soon enough that I'll let you arrive at your own conclusion. I'm sure you're going to watch it because everyone is."
Fan Reaction
The comment section of IGN's interview is filled with criticism. One comment reads: "This is the epitome of the industry's mentality towards gamer outrage at the all-digital future. They all believe gamers will drop their rage when a game or two prompts the desire to buy an all-digital console."
Another commenter added: "I'd be more likely to cancel Netflix than subscribe to it because of this." A third wrote: "If the guy in charge really thinks this little of his consumer base, if GTA turns into overpriced Call of Duty drivel, what's the point?"
However, some fans defended the move, comparing it to paid magazine exclusives in the past. One gamer wrote: "I remember paying for a subscription to Game Informer or other magazines to get exclusive reveals back in the good ol days. Same difference. At least it will be available later down the line on the same day nonetheless."
