Grand Theft Auto VI, one of the most anticipated video games in recent years, is officially set to launch on November 19, 2026, for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Despite the excitement surrounding the release, new insights suggest that Rockstar Games may be favoring the PlayStation 5 as the primary platform for the game, potentially leaving Xbox players at a disadvantage.
According to Jason Schreier, a prominent gaming journalist with Bloomberg, there are indications that Rockstar may delay the game again rather than risk launching it in an incomplete state. In a recent episode of the gaming podcast “Button Mash,” Schreier highlighted that PlayStation 5 is shaping up to be the main console for GTA 6, stating, “It’s kind of like a PlayStation Exclusive.”
Schreier elaborated on the implications of this platform favoritism, suggesting that Sony is likely planning its entire release calendar around the launch of GTA 6. He noted, “They will not release anything within the blast zone,” indicating that other major titles may be strategically scheduled to avoid overlapping with GTA 6’s release.
While no official announcement has confirmed exclusive content for PlayStation 5 players, the marketing strategy appears to be heavily skewed in its favor. Schreier added, “It’s almost… in some ways it’s kind of like a PlayStation Exclusive, that most of the sales will be on PlayStation and it will sell a lot of PlayStation 5s alongside it.”
As the release date approaches, speculation continues about the nature of the relationship between Rockstar and Sony. Previous reports hinted at a potential PlayStation 5 Pro bundle featuring enhanced gameplay capabilities for GTA 6, which could further solidify PlayStation’s position as the preferred platform.
This trend is not without precedent. Sony previously led the marketing efforts for the enhanced version of GTA 5, which coincided with the launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2020. This partnership suggests that collaboration between Rockstar and Sony may be a strategic move to maximize the game’s visibility and sales potential.
For Xbox gamers, the situation remains complicated. While there may not be exclusive content for the platform, the marketing push for PlayStation could diminish the visibility of the game on Xbox. Nevertheless, Schreier reassured that Xbox players should still expect substantial sales on their platform, albeit overshadowed by PlayStation’s dominant marketing strategy.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the launch of GTA 6, the implications of this apparent exclusivity raise questions about the future of cross-platform gaming. The next few months will be crucial as both players and industry insiders monitor Rockstar’s decisions and the evolving landscape of console competition.
Stay tuned for further updates as the release date approaches and the full impact of this platform strategy unfolds.
