Take-Two Boss Unconcerned by Plummeting PS5 and Xbox Sales, Insists GTA 6 Will Cause 'A Meaningful Uptick in Console Sales' in 2025

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 considerable debate. While consistent with Rockstar's past practices, this strategy feels increasingly anachronistic in 2025, given the PC platform's escalating importance in the gaming market. Is this a missed opportunity, or even a strategic error?

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. He cited the simultaneous multi-platform launch of Civilization 7 as a contrast, highlighting Rockstar's distinct approach.

This delayed PC release isn't entirely unexpected, given Rockstar's past reluctance to offer simultaneous PC and console releases, and its complex history with the modding community. However, many hoped that a title as monumental as GTA 6 would mark a shift in the studio's PC gaming strategy.

While a PC release is anticipated, the timing remains uncertain. Considering the Fall 2025 console launch window, a PC release before 2026 seems unlikely.

A former Rockstar developer recently attempted to justify the delayed PC release, urging PC gamers to remain optimistic. However, the potential impact of this decision is significant. Zelnick revealed that PC versions of multi-platform games can account for 40% or more of total sales.

This decision comes amidst declining PS5 and Xbox Series X|S sales. While Nintendo anticipates the launch of the Switch 2, the next-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft remain unannounced. Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC market, even as console sales stagnate, suggesting this trend will likely persist until the next console generation arrives.

Many anticipate the PlayStation 5 Pro to become a popular choice for playing GTA 6, potentially serving as the optimal platform for experiencing the game at its highest graphical settings. However, tech experts express skepticism about the PS5 Pro achieving a consistent 4K60fps performance with GTA 6.

Zelnick remains confident that GTA 6's release will boost console sales, mirroring historical trends where major game releases have driven console purchases. He anticipates a significant increase in console sales in 2025 due to the release schedule, not only from Take-Two but also other publishers. He believes the focus should be on the expanding PC market share.

[Poll: When Will GTA 6 Hit PC?] 2025 2026 2027 Never!

[Poll: Would you buy a PS5 Pro just to play GTA 6 on the highest settings?] Yes Nope Maybe