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

Excitement is building as Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is slated to hit the shelves in the fall of 2025, but exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. This decision leaves PC gamers out in the cold, a move that's become a familiar strategy for developer Rockstar Games. However, in today's multiplatform gaming landscape, where PCs play an increasingly vital role, the absence of a simultaneous PC release might be seen as both outdated and a missed opportunity.

IGN recently posed this very question to Strauss Zelnick, the head of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company. In response, Zelnick hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6. He highlighted the staggered release strategy Rockstar has employed historically, using the example of Civilization 7 by Firaxis, which launched across multiple platforms simultaneously, in contrast to Rockstar's approach.

The gaming community has long noted Rockstar's cautious stance towards PC releases, including delays and a sometimes contentious relationship with the modding community. Despite these challenges, many hoped that GTA 6 could signal a shift in Rockstar's approach to PC gaming. Yet, with the current fall 2025 release window firmly set for consoles, PC players may not get their hands on the game until 2026 at the earliest.

In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer attempted to shed light on the delayed PC release of GTA 6, urging the PC gaming community to remain patient and trust in Rockstar's plans. However, the question remains: how significant a missed opportunity is this for Rockstar? According to Zelnick, PC versions of multiplatform games can account for up to 40% of total sales, and even more in some cases.

This discussion comes at a time when sales of current-generation consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S are declining. With no immediate next-gen announcements from Sony or Microsoft, the industry's reliance on these platforms could shift. Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC market, predicting that this trend would continue even as the next console generation emerges.

Despite the dip in console sales, Zelnick remains optimistic that the launch of GTA 6, anticipated to be the biggest entertainment launch ever, will boost console sales. He believes that major titles like GTA 6 have historically driven console sales, and expects a similar effect in 2025. Furthermore, the potential release of a PlayStation 5 Pro has gamers speculating about its role as the ultimate platform for experiencing GTA 6, although tech experts suggest it might not achieve 4K60 performance.