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

The much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for a fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, leaving PC gamers out in the cold, at least initially. This move aligns with Rockstar's traditional strategy, but in today's gaming landscape, it raises questions about whether this decision is outdated or even a missed opportunity, given the PC's growing importance in the gaming market.

IGN posed this very question to Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, before their recent financial results. Zelnick hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6, drawing parallels with other titles like Civilization 7, which launched simultaneously on multiple platforms. He acknowledged Rockstar's history of staggered platform releases, suggesting a similar approach for GTA 6.

Rockstar's track record with PC releases has been a point of contention among fans, particularly due to the studio's complex relationship with the modding community. Despite this, many hoped GTA 6 would mark a shift in their approach to PC gaming. However, with the game's current release window set for fall 2025 on consoles, PC players might have to wait until 2026 at the earliest.

In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer tried to shed light on why GTA 6 would not launch simultaneously on PC, urging PC gamers to be patient and give the studio the benefit of the doubt. The potential impact of skipping a PC launch at release is significant, with Zelnick noting that PC versions can account for up to 40% of a game's sales, or even more in some cases.

This decision comes at a time when sales of the current console generation, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, are declining. With no announcements yet for the next generation from Sony or Microsoft, and Nintendo's Switch 2 on the horizon, the industry's future remains uncertain. Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC platform, even as console sales wane, suggesting that this trend will likely continue.

Despite the falling console sales, Zelnick remains optimistic about the impact of GTA 6's release on the market. He believes that major titles like GTA 6 will drive console sales, as fans rush to experience the game on the latest hardware. There's also speculation that a PlayStation 5 Pro could be the ideal platform for GTA 6, though tech experts doubt it will run the game at 4K60.

As the gaming industry evolves, the decision to delay the PC release of GTA 6 could be seen as a strategic move by Rockstar, balancing their traditional approach with the shifting dynamics of the market. PC gamers, while disappointed, will have to wait and see how this plays out in the coming years.