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 (GTA 6) is slated to launch in the fall of 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. This decision leaves PC gamers waiting on the sidelines, a strategy that aligns with Rockstar Games' historical approach but feels increasingly out of step with today's gaming landscape. Given the growing significance of the PC market for multiplatform games, is this a missed opportunity for Rockstar?

IGN posed this very question to Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, who hinted at GTA 6's eventual release on PC. Reflecting on the company's strategy, 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 approach has been consistent with Rockstar's past releases, but the delay in bringing GTA 6 to PC has sparked debate among fans and industry analysts alike.

Rockstar's history with PC releases has been fraught, particularly with its relationship with the modding community. Yet, the anticipation surrounding GTA 6 led some to hope it might signal a change in the studio's approach to PC gaming. However, with the game's 2025 release window for consoles, PC gamers might have to wait until 2026 or later to get their hands on it.

The potential impact of skipping PC at launch is significant. Zelnick revealed to IGN that PC versions of multiplatform games can account for up to 40% of total sales, or even more for certain titles. This comes at a time when sales of the current console generation, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, have seen a decline. While Nintendo gears up for the Switch 2, neither Sony nor Microsoft have announced their next-gen consoles, raising questions about the future of the console market.

Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC platform, 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." He also expressed confidence that the release of GTA 6, expected to be one of the biggest entertainment launches ever, would drive console sales as fans rush to experience the game on the latest hardware.

The anticipation for GTA 6 has led some to speculate about the PlayStation 5 Pro as a potential 'GTA 6 machine.' However, tech experts suggest that even the PS5 Pro might not be able to run GTA 6 at 4K60, raising further questions about the best platform for the game's ultimate experience.