Take-Two CEO Unfazed by PS5, Xbox Sales Drop, Predicts GTA 6 Will Boost Console Sales in 2025

The much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated to launch in the fall of 2025, but exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, leaving PC gamers out in the cold. This move aligns with Rockstar's traditional strategy for game releases, yet in the modern gaming landscape of 2025, it feels increasingly outdated. With the PC platform becoming more crucial for the success of multiplatform games, the absence of GTA 6 on PC at launch raises questions about whether this is a missed opportunity or even a strategic error.

In a recent interview with IGN ahead of Take-Two's financial results, CEO Strauss Zelnick hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6. He referenced the simultaneous launch of Civilization 7 across multiple platforms, but noted that Rockstar historically staggers its releases. This pattern has been a point of frustration for PC gamers, who have often had to wait longer for Rockstar titles. Despite past tensions with the modding community, many hoped GTA 6 might mark a change in Rockstar's approach to PC gaming.

While it's almost certain that GTA 6 will eventually make its way to PC, the timing remains uncertain. Given the game's planned fall 2025 release for consoles, it's likely PC players won't see the game until 2026 at the earliest. A former Rockstar developer in December 2023 asked PC gamers to be patient and give the studio the "benefit of the doubt" regarding the staggered release strategy.

The potential impact of skipping a PC launch for GTA 6 is significant. Zelnick revealed that PC versions of multiplatform games can account for up to 40% of total sales, or even more in some cases. This is particularly relevant as the current console generation sees declining sales for PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, with no next-gen announcements from Sony or Microsoft yet, while Nintendo prepares to launch the Switch 2.

Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC platform, even as console sales wane. He anticipates that the release of GTA 6, expected to be one of the largest entertainment launches ever, will boost console sales as gamers rush to experience it on current-gen hardware. However, he also sees a continuing trend of increasing PC market share.

Speculation about the PlayStation 5 Pro being the ideal platform for GTA 6 has led to discussions about whether gamers would purchase this upgraded console just to play the game at its highest settings. Yet, tech experts doubt the PS5 Pro will be capable of running GTA 6 at 4K60, adding another layer of complexity to gamers' decisions on which platform to choose.