Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has reportedly generated over $1 billion in pre-orders within the first hour of availability, according to industry analyst Anthony Palomba. The game, developed by Rockstar Games, opened pre-orders on June 25, 2026, and early estimates suggest it is on track to become one of the fastest-selling entertainment products of all time.
Analyst Claims $1 Billion in First Hour
Anthony Palomba, a professor at the Darden School of Business, stated that Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, saw its shares rise nearly 3% in early trading when pre-orders opened. He added, “Some analysts modeled as much as $1 billion in revenue in the first hour alone.” If accurate, this figure would surpass the previous record held by GTA 5, which earned $815.7 million on its first day of release in 2013.
Pre-Order Details and Controversy
Pre-orders for GTA 6 began on June 25, and while no physical stores have sold out—due to the decision to include only a digital code in boxed copies—demand has been immense. The lack of a physical disc has sparked controversy among some gamers who prefer owning a tangible copy. Additionally, questions remain about whether Rockstar will include a paper map of the game world, a tradition since GTA 3.
Boxed copies of GTA 6 will begin shipping on November 12, 2026, a week before the official launch on November 19. This early shipping allows players to pre-load the game, suggesting a potentially large file size. The Ultimate Edition, which includes exclusive content, is expected to drive higher revenue per unit.
Record-Breaking Potential
If pre-order sales are counted as part of the launch day revenue on November 19, GTA 6 is poised to easily beat GTA 5's first-day record, even accounting for inflation. GTA 5 remains the third best-selling game of all time, with over 230 million copies sold, trailing only Minecraft and Tetris. However, GTA 6's long-term sales may take time to challenge those titles, especially as no details on an online mode have been announced.
Despite the controversies, early indicators are strong for both Rockstar and Take-Two's financial performance. The game's pre-order success underscores the enduring popularity of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
