The highly anticipated *Grand Theft Auto 6* is set to launch in the fall of 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. This decision leaves PC gamers waiting, a move that aligns with developer Rockstar's traditional release strategy but feels increasingly outdated in today's gaming landscape. As the PC platform becomes more crucial for the success of multiplatform games, the absence of a PC release at launch raises questions about whether this is a missed opportunity or a strategic mistake for GTA 6.
In a recent interview with IGN, Take-Two's CEO Strauss Zelnick hinted at an *eventual* PC release for GTA 6. He referenced the simultaneous launch of *Civilization 7* across multiple platforms, including PC, but noted that Rockstar typically adopts a staggered release approach. This approach has been a point of contention, especially given Rockstar's past tensions with the PC gaming community, particularly over modding issues. Despite this, fans had hoped that a game as monumental as GTA 6 might mark a shift in Rockstar's PC gaming strategy.
Historically, major Rockstar titles do make their way to PC, though often with a significant delay. Given GTA 6's projected 2025 release on consoles, it seems PC players might not see the game until 2026 at the earliest. This delay could be a significant point of frustration for the PC gaming community, eager to experience what could be one of the most significant game releases ever.
In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer tried to shed light on why GTA 6 would not launch on PC alongside the console versions, urging PC gamers to give the studio the "benefit of the doubt." However, the potential missed opportunity of not launching on PC is substantial. Zelnick revealed that the PC version of a multiplatform game can account for up to 40% of total sales, or even higher for certain titles.
This comes at a time when sales of the current generation of consoles, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, are declining. With no announced next-gen consoles from Sony or Microsoft, and the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the industry is watching closely. Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC platform, especially as console sales falter, and predicted that the trend of PC gaming's increasing market share would continue.
The launch of GTA 6 is expected to boost console sales significantly as fans rush to experience the game on the latest hardware. Zelnick is confident that the release schedule for 2025, not just from Take-Two but from other publishers as well, will drive an uptick in console sales. Yet, the focus remains on the rising prominence of PC gaming, with many speculating that the PlayStation 5 Pro could be optimized as the ultimate 'GTA 6 machine,' though experts doubt it will run the game at 4K60.