YouTube revealed that the initial trailer for GTA VI achieved an “extraordinary milestone” by amassing over 93 million views within the first 24 hours on the Rockstar Games YouTube channel. This accomplishment shattered the previous record for a non-music video debut on the platform.
On Monday, December 4, Rockstar Games officially unveiled the first trailer for GTA VI, following an initial leak online. This highly anticipated and much-hyped title is scheduled for release in 2025, marking over a decade since the launch of GTA V.
The initial trailer for GTA VI surpassed the previous record for viewership of a non-music video on YouTube. The prior record-holder was Mr. Beast’s “Every Country On Earth Fights for $250,000,” posted on August 19, 2023, which garnered 59.4 million views within the first 24 hours.
In the initial 72 hours, the GTA VI trailer accumulated over 120 million views. Following the trailer’s release, YouTube creators and the gaming community collectively generated more than 250 million views of Grand Theft Auto VI content, as reported by the video platform.
Lucia, the leading character in Grand Theft Auto VI, marks a significant shift as the franchise’s inaugural female protagonist. The game unfolds in Vice City, drawing inspiration from Miami, the same location featured in the 2002 Grand Theft Auto entry. Lucia shares the spotlight with an unnamed male co-lead in this installment.
Alongside the signature elements of the crime-and-mayhem franchise, such as fast cars, boats, beaches, bikinis, and bayous, the 90-second GTA VI trailer unveils the inclusion of a Twitter-like social media network. The trailer features videos showcasing people partying on boats, a man extracting an alligator from a pool, etc.
Watch: GTA VI Trailer
Leo Olebe, the global head of YouTube Gaming, remarked, “The Grand Theft Auto series has been a focal point of entertainment for decades, and we anticipate the YouTube community and its creators will continue to achieve unprecedented success with Grand Theft Auto VI for years to come. Breaking this new all-time record underscores the cultural impact of the series and underscores why YouTube remains the premier destination for gaming content and pop culture.”
The gaming powerhouse known as the “Grand Theft Auto” franchise has made a significant impact, setting numerous records throughout its eight-game series. The latest addition to the franchise, GTA V, made its debut in 2013 and has sustained a dedicated online multiplayer community. Despite Rockstar Games regularly updating GTA V’s multiplayer feature, players have eagerly awaited a new installment for over three years.
The much-anticipated GTA VI is set to be released in 2025 and has been the subject of leaks and theories providing insights into the upcoming video game. Last year, a leak resulting from a network intrusion unveiled two of the game’s main characters and its setting, both of which have now been officially confirmed by the recently released GTA VI trailer.
