Grand Theft Auto VI is skipping PC at launch, and we deserve it
Rockstar Games confirms that Grand Theft Auto VI is not coming to PC at launch
Earlier today, Rockstar Games released their first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), revealing that the game would launch in 2025. In a separate press release, and not within the game’s trailer, the company also confirmed that the game would be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. There was no mention of a PC version in Rockstar’s Press Release.
Like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games are choosing to not release GTA 6 on PC at launch. Like their last two major releases, Grand Theft Auto 6 will be skipping PC, at least initially. Grand Theft Auto V may be one of the most popular PC games on Steam, but that doesn’t mean that its successor is coming to PC on day-1.
Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inn.), 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.
Why is Grand Theft Auto VI skipping PC at launch?
PC is a complex platform when compared to consoles. PC gamers have a huge number of potential hardware configurations to consider. Graphical/game settings need to take into account both ultra-high-end systems and lower-end setups. There are also additional complexities like ultra-wide screen support, ultra high framerate support, and more to consider.
By avoiding PC at launch, Rockstar Games has been able to focus on creating hyper-optimised versions of their console releases. Their delayed PC launches also give the studio dedicated time to create PC versions of their games. This may be preferrable to doing everything at once. Grand Theft Auto IV is undoubtedly a huge project for Rockstar. Lowering the studio’s number of launch day platforms is sure to simplify development.
Creating a dedicated PC version of their games after their console launched has its advantages. The PC versions of Rockstar Games tend to have graphical features that their console counterparts lack. By the time the PC versions of Rockstar Games have launched, PC hardware tends to have moved far past the hardware within current-generation consoles. This means that Rockstar Games tend to look and play best on PC. While Rockstar Games arrive on PC late, the wait tends to be worth it.
We have made skipping PC a successful formula for Rockstar Games
PC gamers have made Rockstar’s PC formula a successful one. Grand Theft Auto V is currently one of Steam’s top 10 most played PC games, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is Steam’s 18th most played game at the tome of writing. Rockstar’s delayed PC launches have not made their games any less successful on PC. Beyond that, the company’s delayed PC launch also presents them with the opportunity to double dip on their success. A lot of gamers will buy GTA VI on consoles first and later on PC.
Rockstar Games has no reason to rush Grand Theft Auto VI onto PC. The studio has a successful PC formula, and they have no reason to change it. While GTA 6 has not yet been revealed for PC, we are certain that a PC version of the game is coming. Simply put, Rockstar would be leaving a lot of money on the table if they didn’t bring the game to PC.
As PC gamers, we have made Rockstar’s PC release formula a success. As such, we deserve Rockstar’s continued treatment. We may feel like second class gamers now, but we will probably still by GTA 6 when it eventually comes to PC.
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