The much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to hit the shelves in the fall of 2025, but exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. This leaves the PC gaming community on the outside looking in, a decision that aligns with Rockstar Games' traditional approach but feels somewhat outdated in the current gaming landscape. With the PC platform playing an increasingly crucial role in the success of multiplatform titles, the exclusion of PC at launch raises questions about whether this is a missed opportunity or even a strategic error.
In a recent interview with IGN, Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, addressed these concerns. While discussing the simultaneous release of Civilization 7 across various platforms, Zelnick hinted at the possibility of GTA 6 eventually making its way to PC. "Historically, Rockstar has started with some platforms and then historically moved to other platforms," he remarked, suggesting that PC gamers might not be left out forever.
Rockstar's history of delayed PC releases and its complex relationship with the modding community has left fans hopeful yet cautious. While big titles from Rockstar do eventually reach PC, the wait could extend into 2026 or beyond for GTA 6, given its fall 2025 console release window.
The decision to skip a PC launch could be significant, considering Zelnick's revelation that PC versions of multiplatform games can account for up to 40% of total sales, and even higher for some titles. This comes at a time when sales of the current generation consoles, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, are declining, and with no next-gen announcements from Sony or Microsoft, the industry's reliance on these platforms is under scrutiny.
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." Despite this, he remains confident that GTA 6's launch will boost console sales, as fans rush to experience what is expected to be the biggest entertainment launch ever.
Speculation about the PlayStation 5 Pro being the ultimate platform for GTA 6 has been rife, with some dubbing it the 'GTA 6 machine.' However, tech experts caution that even the PS5 Pro might not deliver the game at 4K60, leaving gamers to weigh their options carefully.
