Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for a fall 2025 release, will initially launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, notably excluding the PC platform. This decision aligns with Rockstar Games' traditional release strategy for its titles, yet in today's gaming landscape, it feels somewhat outdated. Given the PC's growing significance in the success of multiplatform games, is the exclusion of PC at launch a missed opportunity, or even a strategic error?

In a recent interview with IGN ahead of Take-Two's financial results, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6. He referenced the simultaneous launch of Civilization 7 across consoles and PC, but 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."

The Rockstar community is well aware of the developer's history of delaying PC releases, as well as its complex relationship with the modding scene. While some fans hoped GTA 6 would mark a change in Rockstar's approach to PC gaming, it appears unlikely that PC players will experience the game before 2026, considering its fall 2025 console release window.

In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer tried to shed light on why GTA 6 is coming to PC after its console debut, urging PC gamers to trust the studio's intentions despite the staggered launch schedule.

The potential impact of not launching GTA 6 on PC at the same time as consoles is significant. Zelnick shared with IGN that PC versions can account for up to 40% of a multiplatform game's sales, and sometimes even more. This revelation comes amidst a backdrop of declining sales for the current generation of consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S. With no immediate next-gen console announcements from Sony or Microsoft, and Nintendo preparing to launch the Switch 2, the industry's reliance on current hardware could be tested.

Zelnick emphasized the growing importance of the PC market, stating, "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. Of course, there will be a new console generation."

The release of GTA 6 is expected to be a monumental event in the entertainment industry, potentially driving console sales as fans rush to experience the game on current-gen hardware. Zelnick expressed confidence that major titles like GTA 6 would stimulate console sales in 2025, despite concerns about tariffs and declining sales trends. He suggested focusing on the increasing market share of PC gaming rather than worrying about console sales.

Rumors have circulated about the PlayStation 5 Pro being dubbed the 'GTA 6 machine,' with hopes it would offer the optimal experience for the game. However, technical analysts believe that even the PS5 Pro might not achieve 4K60 performance for GTA 6, highlighting the challenges of delivering top-tier gaming experiences on current hardware.