The GTA 6 Trailer Totally Shifted The Game of the Year Conversation
The GTA 6 extended look on Netflix was a huge hit for the both Rockstar Games and the streaming platform, and it might change how game trailers are revealed in the future. It might have also confirmed that the Game of the Year is already locked up.
GTA 6 trailer changed perspective
The GTA 6 trailer on Netflix was, if nothing else, lengthy. It lasted well over 20 minutes, and it was almost exclusively gameplay and cutscenes. The world has a really good idea of what to expect when the game launches.
That has had some negative effects, though. People have nitpicked certain details, including the water graphics, the backflip animation, the lack of visible steering while driving, and more.
It has convinced some that Rockstar cut corners and that the final product won’t be as good as everyone expects. However, that does not reflect the wider population. In fact, many gamers are actually more convinced now than ever that this is a console-defining game.
Kalshi prediction market
Photo via Kalshi
While some have new nits to pick about GTA 6, the overwhelming majority came away excited after Netflix’s extended look. In fact, the chances of this game being Game of the Year rose on prediction market Kalshi.
As a reminder, the game hasn’t even come out yet, and there have been plenty of really good video games this year. Resident Evil: Requiem, Cairn, Crimson Desert, and 007: First Light are all good choices, but none of them have even close to the same chance as GTA 6, at least according to Kalshi traders.
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We covered previously how GTA 6 was in the overwhelming lead for Game of the Year despite not being out. At that time, no one had even seen gameplay, yet it sat at 48% in May. Since then, it’s risen, and the extended new trailer footage sparked a spike again.
It has steadily increased since May. But on August 26, the chances sat just under 60%. That was the day before the Netflix trailer. Now? It’s at an astonishing 71%, with traders seemingly confident that the 13-year wait for the game will be worth it. The race feels over before it’s even truly begun, and the winner will be announced at The Game Awards 2026 on December 10, 2026.
☑️ My take: Rockstar will deliver
It is totally impossible to accurately predict Game of the Year before the awards show actually happens, but it is pretty easy to tell which game has the best chance by then. However, that’s when all the games are out.
Everyone knew Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was winning Game of the Year last year despite some strong competitors. This year, we haven’t seen the favorite or the contenders, which makes it harder to envision.
That said, as Kalshi traders suggest, it certainly feels like GTA 6 has it in the bag — it has a lot of what makes a Game of the Year. There’s clear dedication to the craft, there’s immense hype and anticipation, and it’s going to dominate sales, charts, and numbers.
All of it can go awry if the game is bad, but based on what we’ve seen (and what’s been leaked), that feels almost impossible. So while it’s a little absurd to crown a game that only a select few have even seen someone play, in this case, it’s probably warranted.
Image credit: Rockstar Games
Zachary Roberts
Zachary Roberts is an avid gamer and writer that loves to merge those things. He’s been featured on VideoGamer, ComicBook, New Leaf, Esports.net, and Sportskeeda as well as the On SI network of Sports Illustrated and Sporting News.
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