• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, Yesterday

Using Netflix's massive streaming scale, a promotional event for its latest video-game iteration, “Grand Theft Auto VI,” pulled in 100,000 sign-ups, according to Ampere Analysis. 

It was the third-highest subscriber-acquisition event in 2026 for the big streaming service.

The 27-minute trailer was offered during a six-hour exclusive time period in the US on its launch day -- Aug. 27.

The same preview became freely available on YouTube later that evening. Avid fans of the longtime video game rushed to Netflix early in the day.

This generated high levels of social-media content of game-play strategies and livestream reactions.

Ampere Analysis says a massive portion came from reactivation of former subscribers -- as well as a low $9 price for immediate access to this highly desirable video-game content.

The footage went deep into gameplay strategies including vehicle racing, robbery approaches and police AI.

The best subscription-driving event this year was for its high-profile final season of “Stranger Things” Season Five early this year, which pulled in 115,000 new subscription signups.

The second-biggest event was a mixed martial arts match featuring two major athletes of their time coming out of retirement -- Gina Carano versus Ronda Rousey. This generated 109,000 new Netflix signups.

Two other new seasons of popular Netflix shows -- the Season Eight of a documentary series about Formula 1 racing, “Drive to Survive,” and Season Four of “Bridgerton” -- came next after “Grand Theft Auto” -- each with 95,900 sign-ups.