GTA 6, the highly anticipated title from Rockstar Games, has confirmed a launch date of 2025 but will debut on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles first, with a PC release following potentially in 2026 or later. This decision has surprised and disappointed many PC gamers who were expecting a simultaneous release across all platforms. Mike York, a former Rockstar animator, provided inside perspective on why PC versions typically come out after consoles. He highlighted the complexity of developing games for the myriad of PC configurations and the extensive testing required to ensure a smooth launch. York cites past issues with PC version launches, like the problematic release of Batman: Arkham Knight in 2015, to underscore the importance of adequate development time. Although Rockstar has not made an official statement regarding the PC release delay, York urges PC gamers to give Rockstar the "benefit of the doubt" and support the developers by allowing them the necessary time to deliver quality ports. Moreover, the recently released GTA 6 trailer has already set records, surpassing 101 million views in less than two days, indicating the community's massive interest in the upcoming title.

Why is GTA 6 releasing on consoles before PC?

According to former Rockstar animator Mike York, the release strategy prioritizes console sales and accommodations for the technical complications involved in adapting the game to various PC hardware configurations. Extensive testing is required to ensure compatibility with a wide array of PC systems, which prolongs the development process compared to the more unified hardware of consoles.