Grand Theft Auto 6's Fall 2025 Console-Only Launch: A Risky Strategy?
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 unconventional. Is this a missed opportunity, or even a mistake, given the PC platform's escalating influence in the multiplatform gaming market?
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, in an interview with IGN, hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6, echoing Rockstar's historical pattern of staggered platform releases. While Rockstar's past reluctance to offer simultaneous PC and console launches, along with its complex history with the modding community, is well-documented, many hoped GTA 6 would mark a shift in this approach.
While PC gamers can expect a GTA 6 release eventually, the timing remains uncertain. Given the Fall 2025 console launch window, a PC release likely won't arrive until 2026 at the earliest.
AnswerSee ResultsA former Rockstar developer attempted to justify the delayed PC release, urging PC gamers to remain patient. However, the potential impact of excluding PC at launch is significant. Zelnick highlighted that PC versions of multiplatform games can contribute up to 40%, or even more, to overall sales.This discussion occurred against the backdrop of declining PS5 and Xbox Series X|S sales, a trend that contrasts with the PC market's growth. Zelnick emphasized the increasing importance of the PC platform, even as console sales dip, anticipating a future console generation.
AnswerSee ResultsZelnick believes GTA 6's release will boost console sales, as fans acquire current-generation consoles to play the game. While acknowledging potential economic challenges, he anticipates a rise in console sales due to the game's release and others within the industry's schedule. However, he also stresses the growing market share of PC gaming.The PlayStation 5 Pro is often considered a potential "GTA 6 machine," although tech experts doubt it will achieve 4K60fps performance. Ultimately, Rockstar's decision to initially exclude PC remains a significant gamble, with potentially substantial financial repercussions.