Take-Two CEO Confident: GTA 6 to Boost Console Sales in 2025 Despite PS5, Xbox Decline

The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025, but exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. This decision leaves PC gamers waiting on the sidelines, a move that aligns with Rockstar Games' traditional release strategy yet feels increasingly out of touch in the current gaming landscape. The exclusion of PC at launch raises questions about whether this represents a missed opportunity or even a strategic misstep for a game poised to be one of the biggest releases in entertainment history.

In a recent interview with IGN, Take-Two Interactive's CEO Strauss Zelnick hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6. Reflecting on the launch strategy of other titles like Civilization 7, Zelnick 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." This statement reaffirms Rockstar's typical approach but does little to soothe the impatience of PC gamers eager to dive into the next installment of the iconic franchise.

Rockstar's history of staggered releases, particularly with big titles, often means PC versions come later. Given the projected fall 2025 release for consoles, PC gamers might not see GTA 6 until 2026 at the earliest. This delay could be frustrating for a community that has grown accustomed to simultaneous launches across platforms.

The potential impact of not launching GTA 6 on PC at the same time as consoles is significant. Zelnick himself acknowledged to IGN that the PC market can account for up to 40% of a multiplatform game's sales, with some titles even exceeding that figure. This statistic underscores the importance of the PC platform, especially as sales of the current generation consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S have been declining.

Amidst this backdrop, the gaming industry is watching closely as neither Sony nor Microsoft has announced plans for next-generation consoles, while Nintendo prepares to launch the Switch 2. Zelnick commented on the evolving market dynamics, 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 slump in console sales, Zelnick remains optimistic that blockbuster titles like GTA 6 will drive console purchases. He believes that the game's release will not only boost sales but also encourage gamers to upgrade to the current generation for the first time. "When you have a big title in the market and we have many of them coming, historically that has sold consoles," he explained. "And I think that will happen this year."

As the industry anticipates the launch of GTA 6, speculation abounds about the best platform to experience the game. Many enthusiasts are eyeing the PlayStation 5 Pro as the ultimate 'GTA 6 machine,' hoping it will deliver the game at its highest settings. However, tech experts caution that even the PS5 Pro might not be capable of running GTA 6 at 4K60, adding another layer of complexity to the conversation around platform choice and performance expectations.