The much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for a fall 2025 release, but it will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S at launch, leaving PC gamers out in the cold. This decision aligns with Rockstar Games' traditional release strategy, yet it feels somewhat outdated in today's gaming landscape, where the PC platform plays a crucial role in a game's overall success. Is this a missed opportunity for Rockstar, or even a strategic misstep?
IGN posed this question to Strauss Zelnick, the head of Take-Two Interactive, ahead of their recent financial results. Zelnick hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6, drawing parallels with other titles in their lineup. "With Civilization 7, it's available on console, PC, and Switch right away," he noted. "With regard to others in our lineup, we don't always go across all platforms simultaneously. Historically, Rockstar has started with some platforms and then historically moved to other platforms."
Rockstar's history of staggered releases and its complex relationship with the PC modding community have left fans hoping that GTA 6 might mark a shift in their approach. However, with the game's current release window set for fall 2025, PC gamers might not see GTA 6 until 2026 at the earliest.
In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer attempted to shed light on why GTA 6 would not launch on PC alongside the consoles, urging PC gamers to give the studio the "benefit of the doubt." Yet, the potential impact of skipping a PC launch remains significant. Zelnick revealed to IGN that the PC version of a multiplatform game can account for up to 40% of total sales, or even more in some cases.
This discussion comes at a time when sales of the current generation consoles, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, are declining. While Nintendo prepares to launch the Switch 2, neither Sony nor Microsoft have announced their next-gen consoles. Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC platform, stating, "We have seen PC become a much more and more important part of what used to be a console business, and I wouldn't be surprised to see that trend continue. Of course, there will be a new console generation."
Despite the current dip in console sales, Zelnick is confident that the release of GTA 6, potentially the biggest entertainment launch ever, will drive console sales. "When you have a big title in the market and we have many of them coming, historically that has sold consoles," he said. "And I think that will happen this year. I don't think tariffs are going to be our friend, but I think there will be a meaningful uptick in console sales in calendar 25 because of the release schedule, not just coming from us, but coming from others."
The PlayStation 5 Pro is speculated to be a prime platform for GTA 6, with many hoping it will offer the best gaming experience. However, tech experts believe that even the PS5 Pro might not be able to run GTA 6 at 4K60, suggesting that the game's graphical demands could be exceptionally high.
