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 has sparked debate. While consistent with Rockstar's past practices, this strategy feels outdated in 2025's gaming landscape, where PC gaming holds significant weight. Is this a missed opportunity, or even a mistake?
Take-Two Interactive CEO, Strauss Zelnick, hinted at an eventual PC release in an interview with IGN. He cited Rockstar's historical pattern of staggered platform releases, contrasting it with the simultaneous launch of Civilization 7 across multiple platforms.
Rockstar's history of delayed PC releases and its complex relationship with the modding community have fueled fan speculation. While major Rockstar titles eventually arrive on PC, the waiting period remains a concern. Given the projected Fall 2025 console release, a PC launch likely won't happen before 2026, at the earliest.
A former Rockstar developer attempted to explain the delayed PC release, urging patience and understanding from PC gamers. However, the potential impact of excluding PC at launch is substantial. Zelnick himself revealed that PC versions can account for 40% or more of total sales for multiplatform titles.
This decision comes amidst declining PS5 and Xbox Series X|S sales. While Nintendo anticipates the Switch 2 release, Sony and Microsoft's next-gen consoles remain unannounced. Zelnick highlighted the growing importance of PC gaming, even as console sales dip, emphasizing the platform's increasing market share. He anticipates a new console generation will eventually emerge.
The expectation is that GTA 6's launch will boost console sales, as fans acquire current-generation consoles to play the game. Zelnick believes this "big title" effect will drive a significant increase in console sales in 2025.
The PlayStation 5 Pro is being touted by some as the ideal "GTA 6 machine," but tech experts express doubt about achieving a consistent 4K60fps experience. Ultimately, Rockstar's decision to delay the PC release of GTA 6 remains a calculated risk, with significant potential rewards and drawbacks.
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