Excitement is building for the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), scheduled for fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. However, a notable absence from this initial launch lineup is the PC platform. This decision aligns with Rockstar Games' traditional strategy of delaying PC releases, but in today's gaming landscape, some consider it a step behind the times. Given the pivotal role PCs play in the success of multiplatform games, the exclusion of GTA 6 from PC at launch raises questions about missed opportunities.
In a recent interview with IGN, Take-Two's CEO Strauss Zelnick hinted at GTA 6's eventual arrival on PC, referencing the company's approach with other titles like Civilization 7. "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," Zelnick explained. Despite Rockstar's past hesitations and rocky relationship with the PC modding community, there's a glimmer of hope for PC gamers that GTA 6 will eventually make its way to their preferred platform, possibly not before 2026.
The significance of the PC market cannot be understated, with Zelnick revealing that PC versions can contribute up to 40% of a game's total sales. This is particularly relevant as the current console generation, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, experiences declining sales. With no immediate next-gen consoles announced by Sony or Microsoft, and Nintendo's Switch 2 on the horizon, the gaming industry's reliance on the PC platform is only expected to grow.
Zelnick emphasized the trend of increasing PC market share, 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." This shift is significant as GTA 6 is poised to be one of the biggest entertainment launches ever, potentially driving console sales despite the challenges posed by current market conditions.
As fans speculate about the future of gaming hardware, some are eyeing the PlayStation 5 Pro as the ultimate platform to experience GTA 6. However, experts caution that even the PS5 Pro may not achieve the coveted 4K60 performance for the game. This uncertainty underscores the complexities of modern game development and the balancing act between hardware capabilities and player expectations.
