Anticipated Launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 Shifts Towards Potential 2027 Release on PC, Possibly Sliding to 2028
Title: Grand Theft Auto 6's Console Release Confirmed - PC Version a Mystery
Here we go, folks! Rockstar Games shocked us all by delaying the hotly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 until May 26, 2026. But you guessed it, only the console versions have been confirmed so far, leaving us PC enthusiasts scratching our heads.
They were originally eyeing a fall 2025 launch, but, since the first reveal, the makers have kept mum on a PC release[1][5]. It seems that this blockbuster game will be making its debut only on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and nothing else as of now.
Looking back, the timeline between GTA 5 and GTA 6 also paints a new picture of the gaming landscape. Rockstar, being notoriously slow when it comes to PC releases, launched GTA 5 on consoles in 2013, but PC gamers had to wait till 2015[5]. As Rockstar North veteran Obbe Vermeej explained it,
"Initially, consoles were a much bigger market for a game like GTA. They just got into the habit of doing consoles first. There used to be way more money in the console versions. Now that that's changed, hopefully the PC version will be closer behind."
Vermeej hits the nail right on its head. Back in the day, GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas were major draws for PS2 owners. Fast forward to today, PC has grown into a dominant force with an estimated 908 million players worldwide[3]. A significant chunk of them might not possess the rig to run GTA 6, but a substantial number will undoubtedly raise their brows at this console-exclusive launch.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick also acknowledged the shift in the market[4]. He even said that while consoles remain important, PC is playing an increasingly critical role, especially with the continued success of GTA Online. So, it's only a matter of time before Rockstar gives in to the pressure and announces a PC version of GTA 6, right?
Not so fast! GTA 5, despite being consistently one of Steam's most-played games and boasting two versions - Standard and Premium[5] - took a full three years to reach PC[2].
My concerns? First, Rockstar and Take-Two have the luxury of time here. They know that GTA 6 will be the star of the show, with millions clamoring for a piece of the action. If GTA 5 is anything to go by, GTA 6 will likely be a living, breathing world that continues to evolve beyond 2026. So, don't be surprised if Rockstar adds a few more months to that May 2026 launch date.
Second, even if GTA 6 does make it to PC, history shows us that Rockstar will most likely prioritize console releases. GTA 4 appeared on PC in 2008, just seven months after consoles [4]. But since then, Rockstar has always taken its time, pushing GTA 5's PC version 13 months after consoles and Red Dead Redemption 2 19 months[5].
It's possible we might not see GTA 6 on our PCs until 2028, close to a three-year delay. But, hey, when it finally drops, it'll be the cream of the crop, with all the bells and whistles[5]. So, let's keep our chin up, eh? There's not much we can do except wait and hope that Rockstar's breakneck delay-paced production jams into gear sooner rather than later.
Sources:
- Rockstar Games
- PC Gamer
- Statista
- IGN
- CNET
- With Rockstar North's pattern of prioritizing console releases apparent, fans may anticipate a console-first launch of GTA 6 in May 2026, leaving PC enthusiasts to speculate about a potential PC version.
- As the gaming landscape is changed by the passage of time between GTA 5 and GTA 6, the PC market, now a dominant force with approximately 908 million players worldwide, raises questions about Rockstar's approach to delayed PC releases.
- Despite the success of GTA Online and the growing importance of PC, Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive seem unrushed by the market's shift, as shown by the three-year delay between GTA 5's console launch in 2013 and its PC release in 2015.
- In light of the continued growth of PC gaming and technology, players can bet on the possibility that Rockstar Games will eventually maintain a PC version of GTA 6, but the release date may not be until close to the anticipated console release in 2026.
- Salts and gadget enthusiasts should expect innovative technology and thrilling gameplay when Grand Theft Auto 6 finally hits PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and potentially PC, boasting record-breaking graphics and captivating storylines delivered by a dominant studio like Rockstar North.
- In the meantime, fans can continue to play previous installments like GTA 5 on their PCs, enjoying its popular multiplayer mode, GTA Online, which has remained a significant draw for the game's massive player base.
- By 2028, it's probable that the meticulous development process for GTA 6 will result in a polished, cutting-edge PC experience, although fans will likely have to wait for an official announcement from Rockstar Games to confirm the platform's release schedule.
