In a recent conversation with IGN, Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, shared insights into the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, particularly highlighting the growing significance of PC gaming. Zelnick noted that the PC platform has become “much more” integral to the gaming ecosphere, contributing a substantial portion of sales for multiplatform titles.
Insights on Platform Strategy
When discussing the release strategy for their games, Zelnick pointed to the recently launched Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, which is available on consoles, PC, and Switch from day one. However, he clarified that this approach does not apply universally across all titles. “Historically, Rockstar has started with some platforms and then moved to others,” he explained, suggesting a more staggered rollout for future releases.
Speculation abounds regarding the anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. Some industry analysts propose that delaying the PC version could be a strategic move to maximize revenue. By initially launching on consoles, Take-Two could capture a significant market share before offering a PC version, enticing gamers to purchase the title twice—once for consoles and again for PC. This strategy could serve as a “little afterburner of profit,” as one commentator aptly described it.
Zelnick acknowledged the shifting dynamics, stating, “We have seen PC become a much more important part of what used to be a console business, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that trend continue.” However, he tempered expectations by mentioning the forthcoming console generation, implying that the release of GTA 6 on PC might not be prioritized until after the launch of new consoles.
He elaborated on the historical impact of major titles on console sales, asserting, “When you have a big title in the market… that has sold consoles.” Zelnick anticipates a notable increase in console sales in 2025, driven by a robust release schedule from both Take-Two and other developers. Despite concerns about tariffs, he remains optimistic about the console market’s resilience.
For those eagerly awaiting the PC version of GTA 6, Zelnick’s comments may suggest a longer wait than hoped. The possibility exists that Rockstar could leverage the next console generation to release an enhanced version of the game, creating an incentive for gamers to invest in new hardware. This pattern mirrors the release strategy of GTA 5, which debuted on the previous generation of consoles before transitioning to next-gen platforms and eventually making its way to PC.
While the certainty of a PC release for GTA 6 is undeniable, the timeline remains uncertain. As the gaming community speculates on the potential for a 2026 release, the question lingers: will that optimism prove to be well-founded or overly ambitious?
Take-Two chief says PC has become a ‘more important part of what used to be a console business,’ but he’s still not committing to a Grand Theft Auto 6 release
In a recent conversation with IGN, Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, shared insights into the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, particularly highlighting the growing significance of PC gaming. Zelnick noted that the PC platform has become “much more” integral to the gaming ecosphere, contributing a substantial portion of sales for multiplatform titles.
Insights on Platform Strategy
When discussing the release strategy for their games, Zelnick pointed to the recently launched Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, which is available on consoles, PC, and Switch from day one. However, he clarified that this approach does not apply universally across all titles. “Historically, Rockstar has started with some platforms and then moved to others,” he explained, suggesting a more staggered rollout for future releases.
Speculation abounds regarding the anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. Some industry analysts propose that delaying the PC version could be a strategic move to maximize revenue. By initially launching on consoles, Take-Two could capture a significant market share before offering a PC version, enticing gamers to purchase the title twice—once for consoles and again for PC. This strategy could serve as a “little afterburner of profit,” as one commentator aptly described it.
Zelnick acknowledged the shifting dynamics, stating, “We have seen PC become a much more important part of what used to be a console business, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that trend continue.” However, he tempered expectations by mentioning the forthcoming console generation, implying that the release of GTA 6 on PC might not be prioritized until after the launch of new consoles.
He elaborated on the historical impact of major titles on console sales, asserting, “When you have a big title in the market… that has sold consoles.” Zelnick anticipates a notable increase in console sales in 2025, driven by a robust release schedule from both Take-Two and other developers. Despite concerns about tariffs, he remains optimistic about the console market’s resilience.
For those eagerly awaiting the PC version of GTA 6, Zelnick’s comments may suggest a longer wait than hoped. The possibility exists that Rockstar could leverage the next console generation to release an enhanced version of the game, creating an incentive for gamers to invest in new hardware. This pattern mirrors the release strategy of GTA 5, which debuted on the previous generation of consoles before transitioning to next-gen platforms and eventually making its way to PC.
While the certainty of a PC release for GTA 6 is undeniable, the timeline remains uncertain. As the gaming community speculates on the potential for a 2026 release, the question lingers: will that optimism prove to be well-founded or overly ambitious?