To absolutely no one’s surprise, PC gamers are, once again, left on the outside looking in as far as the next Grand Theft Auto game goes.
Rockstar Games’ parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has confirmed in a press release posted following the “forced” early launch of the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer that the upcoming game will launch exclusively on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles. This news has sparked a mix of flurry of negative comments online, especially considering the widespread popularity and anticipation surrounding GTA VI. Although the more dedicated fans were already aware that Rockstar would stick to their usual MO with GTA 6.
The press release specifically mentions that, “Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., is proud to announce that Grand Theft Auto VI is coming to PlayStation 5 computer entertainment systems and Xbox Series X/S games and entertainment systems in 2025.” This statement notably omits any mention of a PC release, which led to the conclusion that PC gamers will have to wait beyond 2025 to get their hands on the game.
As any GTA fan would tell you, this pattern of delayed PC ports isn’t new for Rockstar. The studio has historically made its major titles release on consoles first, followed by a later PC launch. For instance, Grand Theft Auto V, which came out in 2013, didn’t make its PC debut until 2015, approximately two years later. Similarly, Red Dead Redemption 2, released on consoles in 2018, wasn’t available for PC players until 2019. These precedents suggest that while GTA VI may eventually arrive on PC, it likely won’t be until a year or two after the console release.
The decision to delay the PC release could be part of Rockstar’s strategic approach to video game launches. Historically, releasing first on consoles and later on PC allows for double-dipping in sales, as some players may purchase the game on both platforms. This approach also provides additional time for refining the PC version of the game, potentially offering an enhanced experience for PC gamers.
The highly anticipated trailer for GTA VI, which confirmed the 2025 release date, was revealed earlier than planned due to a leak. The trailer showcased a return to Vice City and introduced two new protagonists, signaling a new chapter in the Grand Theft Auto series. Despite the excitement generated by the trailer, the lack of a PC release announcement has been a point of contention.
To make matters worse, there’s no official confirmation from Rockstar regarding a PC version of GTA VI, although we’re pretty sure it’s coming sooner rather than later.
The best case scenario is that Grand Theft Auto VI will arrive on the PC in FY2026, which falls anytime between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026. Given that one of Rockstar’s earlier cryptic messages confirmed that GTA VI will come out on April 1, 2025, it’s possible the PC port will be available just six months later. If Rockstar releases a more expensive tier of GTA VI with Early Access benefits at the end of March 2025, which is still technically part of FY2025, then the company will effectively “triple” dip by enjoying a strong end to FY2025 and an even better opening to FY2026 with the sales of the port boosting its finances later in the same financial year.
Of course, this is all speculation and we have zero idea when Rockstar intends to release GTA VI on PC.
