In the lead-up to the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the CEO of publisher Take-Two Interactive expressed confidence in the game's ability to bolster declining console sales. With over a decade since the initial release of the previous game in the series, GTA 5, the next game in the series, which was initially revealed in a short trailer in December 2023, has become one of the most highly anticipated games of all time. The game has yet to receive a set release date but is currently expected to launch in Fall 2025.
In an interview with IGN, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of GTA publisher Take-Two Interactive, addressed the potential for GTA 6 and other games set for release in 2025 to boost console sales, saying "I think there will be a meaningful uptick in console sales in calendar 25 because of the release schedule". Additionally, Zelnick commented on the game's PC release, which will only come after its initial launch on consoles, saying "Rockstar has started with some platforms and then historically moved to other platforms", acknowledging PC platforms as an important and growing part of the gaming market.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick Isn't Worried About The Rapid Decline In Console Sales
GTA 6 And Other 2025 Games Could Bolster Declining Console Sales, According To Take-Two's CEO
As current-generation consoles near the five-year mark, it's not surprising that sales are declining, especially for the already-underperforming Xbox Series X|S, but if there's any game that could push audiences to buy more consoles, Grand Theft Auto 6 is certainly it - especially since the game will be console-exclusive for a significant amount of time after its initial release. Especially with such a long wait since the previous game in the series, plenty of potential players will be eager to get their hands on the game as soon as possible, even if it means purchasing a PS5 or Xbox.
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GTA 6 Release Window: Take-Two Doubles Down With Good News For Eager Fans
Grand Theft Auto 6 is still scheduled to release in Fall of 2025, according to documents and statements from the Take-Two Interactive earnings call.
As Zelnick alludes to, there are also some other games releasing in 2025 that could boost console sales as well, though perhaps none quite as popular as GTA. Ghosts of Yotei, the highly anticipated sequel to Ghosts of Tsushima, for example, will be released exclusively for PS5 this year, alongside its fellow sequel Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, both of which could also prompt potential players to buy a PlayStation. Few games have the same kind of mainstream reach as GTA, but could still push console sales to some degree.
GTA Could Launch On PC, As Take-Two CEO Recognizes The Importance Of PC Players
Zelnick Acknowledges PC Sales As Significant - But GTA 6 On PC Still Has No Confirmed Release Window
Although Zelnick acknowledges that PC audiences can now make up a significant portion of a game's sales, there is still no explicit confirmation of a potential PC release window. At launch, GTA 6 has only been confirmed to be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S - an approach which could boost console sales, but might also cause the game to miss out a significant portion of its potential audience at launch. Fewer games than ever are being released as true console exclusives, with Xbox seemingly having fully ditched exclusive titles, and most PS5 exclusives receiving delayed PC ports.
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What To Expect For GTA 6 After Take-Two Interactive's Earnings Call On February 6
The Take Two Interactive earnings call is close, and Grand Theft Auto 6 is the elephant in the room that may receive big news during the event.
There probably isn't a world where GTA 6 sells huge numbers at launch, despite its console exclusivity, but it remains to be seen whether the game will drive as many console sales as Zelnick seems to expect. Again, if there was any game that could make a significant difference in the 2025 sales of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Grand Theft Auto 6 would be it.
Source: IGN
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