GTA VI pre-orders: PlayStation overtakes Xbox in sales

Briefly

• Pre-orders for GTA VI have started, with a clear preference for the PS5 version.
• Microsoft has voiced its displeasure over the speculation surrounding the pre-orders.
• The game is being released digitally only, raising questions about the future of physical media.

GAME-scanner analysis

The latest pre-order figures for GTA VI are a clear sign that gamers prefer PlayStation 5 over Xbox Series X/S. According to reports from IGN, which use their affiliate program, the PS5 version of the game is said to be receiving up to 8 times more pre-orders than the Xbox version. That is a significant gap that affects not only sales of the game itself, but also the competition between consoles. Microsoft has responded to the speculation by asking for official data, suggesting they are concerned about the impact these numbers could have on their market share.

In addition, Amazon reported that the PS5 versions of GTA VI were temporarily sold out, underlining the huge demand for the game. This could also affect console sales, as players may be more inclined to buy a PS5 in order to access the game. GTA VI’s digital-only release also raises questions about the future of physical media in the gaming industry, especially as more and more titles follow this trend.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, this means GTA VI’s availability on PS5 is likely to have a stronger pull, which could lead to increased console sales. Players considering an Xbox Series X/S may worry about game availability and how it could affect their console choice. The digital-only approach may also influence how gamers buy and play their games, as physical copies become less common.

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