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 is poised to launch in the fall of 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. This decision leaves the PC platform notably absent, which, given the current gaming landscape, feels increasingly out of step with industry trends. The exclusion of PC at launch might be seen as a missed opportunity, particularly as PC gaming continues to grow in significance for the success of multiplatform titles.

IGN posed this concern to Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, who hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6. Reflecting on the release strategy, Zelnick noted, "So with Civ 7 it's available on console and PC and Switch right away. 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 statement suggests that while PC players might have to wait longer, a PC version is indeed in the works.

Rockstar's history of staggered releases for its major titles, coupled with its sometimes rocky relationship with the PC modding community, has set expectations for a delayed PC launch. Fans are eager to know how long they will have to wait, with speculations pointing toward a 2026 release at the earliest for GTA 6 on PC, given the confirmed fall 2025 console launch.

The decision to skip PC at launch could be a significant oversight, especially considering Zelnick's insight that PC versions can contribute up to 40% of a game's sales, sometimes even more. This comes at a time when the current console generation, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, is witnessing declining sales. While Nintendo is gearing up for the Switch 2, Sony and Microsoft have yet to unveil their next-generation consoles, raising questions about the future of the gaming industry.

Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of PC gaming, 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." This trend suggests that the decision to delay the PC release of GTA 6 might be at odds with market dynamics.

Despite these concerns, Zelnick remains optimistic about the impact of GTA 6 on console sales, predicting a surge in demand as fans rush to experience the game on the latest consoles. He remarked, "When you have a big title in the market and we have many of them coming, historically that has sold consoles. And I think that will happen this year. I don't think tariffs are going to be our friend, but I think there will be a meaningful uptick in console sales in calendar 25 because of the release schedule, not just coming from us, but coming from others."

As anticipation builds, speculation about the PlayStation 5 Pro being the ultimate platform for GTA 6 has surfaced. However, experts caution that even the PS5 Pro might not be capable of running GTA 6 at 4K60, hinting at the game's high technical demands.