Here’s why GTA 6 will be a launch console exclusive

Although there is still no official announcement regarding the arrival of GTA VI on platforms other than PS5 and Xbox Series, there are historical and financial reasons that practically rule out surprises in this regard in terms of a PC conversion, which will clearly arrive later. On the one hand, history dictates it, since although GTA was originally a PC-oriented title with a PlayStation conversion, the truth is that the tables were turned with the third part and its 3D step, prioritizing the PS2 and leaving the PC version for later. From then on, all releases of the saga had a delay of between six and eight months for its arrival on compatibles, except for GTA V, which would set the current record in the franchise of 19 months difference.

There are also financial reasons for the priorities of both Rockstar and Take-Two. At a recent investor conference, the New York-based company broke down its financials in no uncertain terms: mobile platforms accounted for 52% of Take-Two’s revenue (thanks to the strategic purchase of Zynga in 2022), while consoles contributed 40%. Meanwhile, PCs and other platforms accounted for just 8% of the company’s annual revenue. This breakdown includes revenue from GTA Online, one of Take-Two’s main moneymakers. The console exclusivity for GTA VI is consistent with this revenue distribution, as consoles, especially the PS5, have proven to be a significant source of recurring revenue.

Grand Theft Auto V has surpassed 210 million units sold worldwide, and GTA Online continues to resonate with players. The release of GTA VI in the fall of 2025 is expected to cement the series' legacy further. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, noted that the franchise remains an industry benchmark and a key driver of the company’s growth.

Take-Two estimates that as of November 2024, the PS5 and Xbox X|S series consoles have sold a combined total of more than 94 million units. Sony Interactive Entertainment has reported that it has shipped 65.6 million PS5s as of September 30, 2024. Based on this data, it is estimated that PS5 sales will reach between 67 million and 69 million units by the end of November 2024, while Xbox Series consoles will reach between 25 million and 27 million units.

While the PC market is growing, it has not generated significant revenue growth for Take-Two. This is due in part to the lack of microtransaction revenue on the platform, known as Recurring Consumer Spending (RCS). GTA Online is one of the largest contributors to RCS, which remains in the PC version because it is relatively easy to cheat for unlimited cash and other perks. In contrast, the console versions of GTA Online generate significant revenue through in-app purchases and GTA+ subscriptions.

Mike York, former Rockstar Games animator, explained that a PC port of GTA VI will come later because the priority is where the content sells the most, which is on PlayStation. This is also reflected in the company’s latest investor presentation.

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