Pre‑orders Spike Game Brand Buzz

YouGov BrandIndex tracking around GTA VI shows that formal commercial milestones — announcing and opening pre‑orders — produced the largest and fastest gains in consumer 'Buzz', while high‑profile delays drove sharp declines and leaks or cross‑platform showcases had muted immediate effects. Quantified daily Buzz swings (e.g., 17.9 → 25.2 after pre‑orders; 21.1 → 9.0 after delay) show which PR levers move public sentiment. — Franchise marketing and platform strategies should prioritize concrete commercial cues (pre‑order availability) over spectacle placements, because measurable consumer sentiment (and thus likely sales momentum) responds most to purchase‑facing events.