Rockstar has a history of launching Grand Theft Auto titles on consoles first and porting to PC months or even years later. Now, a former Rockstar dev argues that the PC market has grown so lucrative that GTA 6‘s PC edition might arrive much sooner than we expect. Below we review Rockstar’s past console/PC rollout, recent comments from ex-GTA developer Obbe Vermeij, and others about PC profitability, and official hints about GTA 6’s release windows. We’ll also explain Rockstar’s “decision-day” process – the late-stage review that determines if a game ships on schedule or gets delayed.
Rockstar’s Console-First Release History
Rockstar traditionally releases on PlayStation and Xbox first, with the Windows port following later. For example:
- GTA IV (2008): Released on PS3/Xbox 360 in April 2008; the Windows version arrived that December (about 217 days later).
- GTA V (2013–2015): First launched on PS3/Xbox 360 in September 2013, then on PS4/Xbox One in November 2014, and finally on Windows in April 2015 (roughly 1½ years after the original release).
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018–2019): Launched on consoles in October 2018, with the PC edition arriving in November 2019 – just over a year later.
This console-first pattern has led to long waits for PC gamers. In 2014, GameSpot noted that GTA V’s PC port was taking even longer than GTA IV’s – more than 224 days after the console launch and still counting.
As we’ll see, these delays have been profitable for Rockstar, but the landscape is shifting.
PC Market Is Booming, Ex-Dev Says
Former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij (who worked on GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, GTA IV, and more) recently commented that the PC market has “made scads of cash” and may shrink Rockstar’s typical delay. On X/Twitter, Vermeij explained that in the past Rockstar focused on consoles because they were “a much bigger market” for GTA. He said:
“Initially the consoles were a much bigger market for a game like GTA. They just got into the habit of doing consoles first. … There used to be way more money in the console versions. Now that that’s changed, hopefully the PC version will be closer behind.”
He also jokingly noted Rockstar’s “Mansa Musa-like fortune”, implying they can afford to polish both versions thoroughly.
Vermeij’s perspective reflects a broader shift acknowledged even by Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick, who said “the PC market has become a much more important part of what used to be a console business”.
GTA 6 Release Windows: What We Know
Rockstar and parent company Take-Two have confirmed GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026, but no official PC release date has been announced.
- Console-first, PC later: Corsair Gaming’s VP of Finance, Ronald van Veen, predicted “fall for console, and then early 2026 for PC.” This staggered pattern matches Rockstar’s past releases.
- No PC version confirmed (yet): As PC Gamer notes, Rockstar has only confirmed versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The PC port is widely expected, but unannounced.
- Take-Two strategy: CEO Strauss Zelnick reaffirmed that Rockstar “doesn’t always go across all platforms simultaneously,” and emphasized that a PC port can contribute up to 40% of total sales.
- Staggered release benefits: The PC delay also allows Rockstar to improve features like ray tracing or mod support, which were heavily marketed in the PC version of GTA V.
Rockstar’s “Decision-Day” Explained
Ex-developer Obbe Vermeij also introduced the idea of a late-stage internal review at Rockstar – the so-called “decision-day” – when management evaluates whether the game is ready for release or needs to be delayed.
- GTA IV precedent: Vermeij recalled Rockstar aimed to launch GTA IV in October 2007, but delayed it to April 2008 following a July 2007 review. That summer became the pivotal moment.
In short, Rockstar’s “decision-day” is when the team does a hard review – often just months before release – and makes a go/no-go call. Fans should watch for Take-Two’s May or August earnings calls for updates.
Conclusion
Rockstar’s past strategy of releasing GTA titles on consoles first has paid off handsomely – but the industry is evolving. Former Rockstar developers like Obbe Vermeij and current financial stakeholders are pointing to a booming PC market, suggesting GTA 6’s PC edition could arrive far sooner than previous titles.
🎮 Grand Theft Auto VI: Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions
As anticipation builds for Rockstar Games’ next blockbuster, fans around the world are eager for answers. Here are three of the most frequently asked questions about GTA 6:
1. When is GTA 6 expected to be released?
Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that GTA 6 is in development, with a trailer already released in late 2023. The game is expected to launch in Fall 2025, though this date could shift based on development progress. As always, Rockstar prioritizes quality and polish over rushing to market.
2. What platforms will GTA 6 be available on?
Initially, GTA 6 is expected to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version is likely but may follow later, similar to how Rockstar handled past releases like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2.
3. Where is GTA 6 set?
According to official footage and leaks, GTA 6 is set in a modern-day Vice City, Rockstar’s fictional version of Miami. The game will reportedly feature a larger, more dynamic open world with evolving storylines, improved AI, and multiple playable characters—including the franchise’s first female protagonist.
