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

The much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 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 move that feels somewhat dated in today's multiplatform gaming landscape. With the PC platform becoming increasingly vital for the success of major games, the exclusion of a simultaneous PC release raises questions about whether this is a missed opportunity or even a strategic misstep by developer Rockstar Games.

IGN sought answers from Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, ahead of their recent financial results. Zelnick hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6. He referenced the launch strategy of other titles, such as Civilization 7 by Firaxis, which released across multiple platforms simultaneously. However, he 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."

Rockstar's past behavior with PC releases has been a point of contention among fans. The studio has traditionally delayed PC versions of its big titles, and its relationship with the modding community has been fraught with challenges. Despite this, many had hoped that a game of GTA 6's caliber might signal a shift in Rockstar's approach to PC gaming.

While it's almost certain that GTA 6 will make its way to PC, the timeline remains uncertain. Given the game's projected fall 2025 release on consoles, PC gamers might not see the game until 2026 at the earliest. This delay could be significant, especially for a title poised to be one of the biggest entertainment launches ever.

Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC market, stating that it can account for up to 40% of a game's sales, or even more in some cases. This comes at a time when sales of the current generation consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, have seen a decline. With no immediate next-gen console announcements from Sony or Microsoft, and Nintendo's Switch 2 on the horizon, the industry's reliance on the current hardware generation could impact GTA 6's launch strategy.

Zelnick is optimistic about the impact GTA 6 will have on console sales, believing that big titles historically drive hardware sales. He predicts a meaningful uptick in console sales in 2025 due to the release schedule, not just from Take-Two but from other publishers as well. Yet, he also acknowledged the shifting market dynamics, noting, "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."

Speculation abounds about whether the PlayStation 5 Pro will become the ultimate platform for playing GTA 6. While many hope it will serve as a 'GTA 6 machine,' tech experts caution that even the PS5 Pro might not be capable of running the game at 4K60, suggesting that the PC version could ultimately offer the best experience for gamers seeking top performance.