Grand Theft Auto 6 will not be released on PC when it launches on November 19 this year, and the publisher's CEO has now clarified the reasoning behind this decision.
In an interview with Bloomberg last week, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Rockstar is focusing on serving its 'core audience' at launch, which unfortunately means excluding a PC version for the time being.
“Rockstar always starts on console because I think with regard to a release like that you're judged by serving the core,” Zelnick explained. “Like really serving the core consumer. If your core consumer isn't there, if they're not served first and best, you kind of don't hit your other consumers.”
This decision comes despite Zelnick acknowledging that the sales share of the PC platform has increased significantly since Rockstar's earlier days. While a 2007 NBA game might have sold around 7% on PC, that share has now risen to approximately '45%, 50%', according to Zelnick.
Another factor is the financial success of GTA Online, which remains a major revenue source for Rockstar. Data from a recent ransom leak indicated that GTA Online generates over $1.3 million daily, with the vast majority coming from console players, while PC players account for only about 3% of that revenue.
Although an online mode for GTA 6 has not been confirmed, given the profitability of GTA Online for GTA V, it is highly likely that Rockstar is developing similar functionality for the new title. This further explains why consoles are prioritised, as they yield greater long-term profits.
GTA 6 is anticipated to be the most significant game release of the decade, ensuring substantial sales regardless of platform availability. Delaying the PC release might even boost revenue, as dedicated gamers may purchase the game on console initially and again on PC later.
Anecdotally, this pattern has been observed with Rockstar's previous titles. Many players, including the author, purchased GTA V on Xbox 360 and Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4 before later buying both on PC. It is expected that thousands of gamers will adopt a similar approach with GTA 6 to avoid missing out.
Zelnick also dismissed speculation that Take-Two's marketing exclusivity deal with Sony is behind the PC delay. When asked directly, he responded, “No.”
GTA 6 is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A new trailer for the game is expected soon.
