Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19, and the gaming world is bracing for unprecedented demand that could trigger a global shortage of game consoles. Analysts predict the title could generate $3 billion in revenue within its first 24 hours, making it the biggest entertainment release in history.
Retailers Warn of Console Stock Issues
Retailers are already expressing concern about their ability to meet demand for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles as gamers rush to secure hardware to play the blockbuster. The industry is already grappling with a shortage of chipsets, exacerbated by the global push for AI data centers.
One major games retailer told The Game Business: "We’ve been informed that because of the on-going issues around hardware component availability, we won’t be getting the units we want ahead of GTA. Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year end period."
Record-Breaking Franchise History
GTA6 is the follow-up to GTA5, which launched 13 years ago and has sold nearly 230 million copies worldwide, generating over £8 billion in lifetime revenue. Rockstar Games, which has a significant presence in Scotland, is putting the finishing touches on the open-world action hit.
Release Schedules Cleared by Competitors
Other game publishers have largely cleared their release schedules around the GTA6 launch, acknowledging the dominance of the franchise. The game will be available in two editions: the Standard Edition at £69.99 and the Ultimate Edition at £89.99, which includes premium vehicles, weapons, and apparel.
Pre-Order and Pre-Load Details
Pre-orders went live this week. A spokeswoman for GTA6 said: "The biggest and most immersive evolution of the series yet, Grand Theft Auto VI features a single player experience launching on November 19 to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Grand Theft Auto VI: Ultimate Edition amplifies this experience with an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and action threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story."
All pre-orders and purchases before November 20 will include the Vintage Vice City Pack, a nostalgic collection of items. Digital pre-order customers can begin pre-loading on November 12 to ensure immediate play at launch. The physical version, containing a download code, will also be available from November 12.
