Grand Theft Auto 6's Fall 2025 Console-Only Launch: A Risky Gamble?
Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is slated for a Fall 2025 release, exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This notable omission of PC from the initial launch lineup mirrors Rockstar's past practices, but in 2025, this strategy feels increasingly outdated. Is this a missed opportunity, or even a mistake, given the PC platform's growing dominance in the gaming market?
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, in a recent interview, hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6, acknowledging Rockstar's historical pattern of staggered platform releases. While Rockstar has traditionally prioritized console launches, and its history with the PC modding community is complex, many hoped GTA 6 would mark a shift in this approach.
The question remains: how long will PC gamers wait? Given the Fall 2025 console release window, a PC release likely won't arrive until 2026 at the earliest.
AnswerSee ResultsA former Rockstar developer recently attempted to explain the delayed PC release, urging patience from PC gamers. However, the potential impact of this decision is significant. Zelnick revealed that PC versions of multiplatform games can account for 40% or more of total sales.This revelation is particularly relevant considering the current slump in PS5 and Xbox Series X|S sales. With the next console generation still on the horizon, the PC market's growth is increasingly important. Zelnick highlighted this trend, emphasizing the PC's expanding market share.
AnswerSee ResultsZelnick believes GTA 6's release will boost console sales, as players acquire current-generation consoles to play the game. However, the long-term strategy of prioritizing console sales, while potentially sacrificing a significant portion of the PC market, remains a question mark. While the PlayStation 5 Pro is being touted as a potential "GTA 6 machine," even achieving 4K60fps performance remains uncertain. The decision to exclude PC at launch is a high-stakes gamble, the outcome of which remains to be seen.