With the highly anticipated release of the Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2 and a major update to its official website, the gaming community's focus has shifted to the launch platforms and the newly announced release date of May 26, 2026. The trailer's conclusion prominently displayed the release date alongside the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S logos, confirming these consoles as the initial launch platforms for GTA 6. Notably, the trailer was captured on a PS5, specifically highlighting the standard version rather than the PS5 Pro.
This announcement leaves many wondering about the future of a PC release and the potential inclusion of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Despite hopes that the delay to May 2026 might encourage Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two to opt for a simultaneous PC launch, the absence of any PC mention suggests otherwise. This approach aligns with Rockstar's traditional strategy, but in today's gaming landscape, where PCs play a crucial role in a game's success, this omission might be seen as a missed opportunity.
In an interview with IGN in February, Take-Two's CEO Strauss Zelnick hinted at an eventual PC release for GTA 6. He compared it to the simultaneous release strategy of Firaxis' Civilization 7 across consoles, PC, and Switch, but noted that Rockstar often staggers its platform releases. This has sparked a debate among fans and industry observers about whether Rockstar's reluctance to launch on PC alongside consoles is outdated, especially given the studio's past challenges with the PC modding community.
Rockstar's history indicates that their major titles do eventually make their way to PC, yet the timeline for GTA 6 remains uncertain. Speculation ranges from a possible release in Fall 2027 to early or even mid-2027. A former Rockstar developer in December 2023 tried to justify the delayed PC release, urging gamers to trust the studio's decisions despite the controversy.
The potential impact of not launching GTA 6 on PC at the same time as consoles could be significant. Zelnick emphasized to IGN that PC versions of multiplatform games can account for up to 40% of total sales, and sometimes even more. He also acknowledged the growing importance of the PC market, predicting its continued rise even as new console generations emerge.
Regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, the absence of its logo in GTA 6 Trailer 2 was expected. While the capabilities of the Switch 2 remain undisclosed, its confirmed support for games like Cyberpunk 2077 had fueled some hope for a GTA 6 release. However, given that GTA 6 is also slated for the less powerful Xbox Series S, a Switch 2 release seems less likely but still within the realm of possibility.
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