Take-Two Interactive’s CEO Strauss Zelnick is placing his chips on Grand Theft Auto 6 to jumpstart console sales when it hits shelves in fall 2025. Despite recent declines in PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S sales, Zelnick expects GTA 6 to lead to a “meaningful uptick” in hardware purchases.
The gaming industry has seen a slowdown in console sales as both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S enter their mid-cycle phase. This dip is typical as the initial excitement wears off, and the market becomes saturated. However, Zelnick believes GTA 6 will go against this trend.
GTA isn’t just any game—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The franchise has a track record of attracting even casual gamers to shell out for new hardware. GTA 5, released in 2013, has sold over 210 million copies and continues to be a best-seller. This longevity speaks to the series’ enduring appeal and its potential to drive console adoption.
The anticipation for GTA 6 is through the roof, given the decade-long wait since its predecessor. Fans are eager to see how Rockstar Games will leverage current-gen console capabilities to push the boundaries of open-world gaming.
There’s also chatter about whether GTA 6 will launch simultaneously on PC or face a delayed release. This strategy could influence console sales, as impatient PC gamers might opt for consoles to get their hands on the game sooner.
While some industry watchers are skeptical about GTA 6‘s ability to significantly boost hardware sales, historical data shows that major releases can create spikes in console purchases. The game’s launch in 2025 could serve as a crucial milestone for current-gen consoles, potentially extending their lifecycle.
