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, slated for a Fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, notably excludes PC. This mirrors Rockstar's past releases, but in 2025, this omission feels surprisingly outdated. Given the PC's growing importance in multiplatform game success, is this a missed opportunity, or even a mistake?

IGN posed this question to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, who hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6. He cited the simultaneous PC, console, and Switch release of Civilization 7 as a contrast, highlighting Rockstar's historical practice of staggered platform launches.

Rockstar's history of delayed PC releases and its complex relationship with the modding community have been well-documented. However, many hoped GTA 6's scale might signal a change in approach. While past Rockstar titles eventually made their way to PC, the timeframe for GTA 6 remains uncertain. Given the Fall 2025 console launch, a PC release before 2026 seems unlikely.

In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer attempted to explain the delayed PC release, urging PC gamers to be patient. However, the potential impact of excluding PC at launch is significant. Zelnick revealed that PC versions can contribute 40%, or even more, to a multiplatform game's overall sales.

This discussion occurred against the backdrop of declining PS5 and Xbox Series X|S sales. While Nintendo anticipates the Switch 2, next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft remain unannounced. Zelnick emphasized the PC market's growth, even as console sales dip, suggesting it's a crucial platform for publishers.

“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,” he stated.

Zelnick believes GTA 6's release will boost console sales, as fans acquire current-gen consoles to play the game. He anticipates a significant increase in console sales in 2025 due to the release schedule, not just from Take-Two but also other publishers. However, he also highlighted the increasing importance of the PC market.

The PlayStation 5 Pro is often viewed as a potential "GTA 6 machine," but tech experts doubt it can consistently deliver 4K60 performance for the game.