The massive hype surrounding GTA VI is expected to do more than just overshadow other video games. Some analysts believe the game's revenue could surpass that of Avengers 5, keeping audiences away from cinemas and streaming services for a considerable period. Both streaming platforms and cinema operators are worried about losing viewers. Could this gaming phenomenon become a disruptor for the entire industry?
Currently, few entertainment products have generated as much buzz as GTA VI. The game is set to launch on Xbox and PlayStation platforms on November 19, with new updates emerging almost daily. Many other games have deliberately moved their release dates forward or pushed them back significantly to avoid direct competition with the new GTA title.
However, concerns about the massive potential success of GTA VI are no longer confined to the gaming industry. Hollywood, streaming platforms, and cinema operators also anticipate that Rockstar Games' open-world blockbuster will capture a significant share of consumers' attention and leisure time.
Geoff Keighley, host and producer of The Game Awards, stated that GTA VI has the potential to become the biggest entertainment product launch in history. He believes the game could even surpass box office hits like Avengers 5 and Dune 3 in terms of revenue and influence.
Geoff Keighley noted that the success of GTA VI could have a particularly severe impact on streaming services. Players are expected to spend more of their free time exploring the fictional Florida world of GTA VI rather than watching movies and TV shows on Netflix, HBO, Disney+, or other platforms. While a movie can be watched in two or three hours, GTA VI can keep players engaged for weeks or even months, thanks to its extensive main story, a vast world filled with various activities, and the highly anticipated long-term online mode.
As a result, GTA VI could accelerate a shift that Hollywood has been watching closely: video games are no longer just competing within the gaming industry; they are now directly vying with movies and streaming services for audience attention. However, it will take a few months to determine whether these concerns will truly translate into a decline in viewership.