Three million players, and not a cent spent. Red Dead RedemptionRockstar’s cult western, is getting an unexpected second lease of life thanks to its free mobile version available via Netflix. But while this version is a hit, the premium version is struggling to appeal.
A massively downloaded free mobile version
The game was launched on Android and iOS THE December 2, 2025as part of an agreement with Netflix. Subscribers can play it at no extra cost, enjoying all of the original content, with touch controls or a connected controller. This is a first for this title, which remained exclusive to consoles for 14 years.
In just over a month, the Netflix version of Red Dead Redemption has been downloaded 3.3 million timesaccording to the specialized site MobileGamer. This is one of the biggest mobile launches on the platform since Netflix offered games for download, starting in 2021.
This performance is partly based on the simplicity of access: all you need is an active Netflix subscription and a phone to enjoy the game, at no additional cost. A strategy which has visibly borne fruit, despite the absence of official data on the impact of this launch on the number of Netflix subscribers.
The $39.99 premium version pales in comparison
Faced with this success, the paid version of the game was no match. Also available on mobile, it costs $39.99 and was not downloaded only 10,750 times. A figure which may seem correct, but which only represents $430,000 in revenue for Rockstar. For comparison, GTA Online reports approximately $2.5 million per day at the Take-Two parent company. Even free mobile titles like Clash of Clans Or Pokémon GO generate much more. This contrast highlights a recurring problem for AAA publishers: how to effectively monetize console games ported to mobile without putting players off with high prices?
Netflix, new showcase for major AAA games?
The arrival of Red Dead Redemption on mobile is part of a broader trend: the porting of major console games to smartphones. Resident Evil 2, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Death Stranding…all took the plunge, with varying fortunes.
But Netflix’s strategy seems to stand out: by integrating these titles into an existing subscription, the platform avoids price barriers and captures a new audience. For Rockstar, this free launch could serve as a full-scale test for future initiatives.
With 3.3 million downloads, Red Dead Redemption becomes the symbol of a shift: mobile is no longer a simple secondary area, but a real showcase… especially when the game is free.