With the arrival of the Fall season just around the corner, excitement is building for the potential release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI), which could drop as early as next year. Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind Rockstar Games, has already set expectations for a Fall 2025 release window, fueling anticipation for what promises to be one of the biggest gaming events in recent memory.
During a recent update, Take-Two narrowed down the launch timeframe for GTA VI, projecting that the game will arrive in the latter half of 2025. The company expressed confidence in Rockstar’s ability to deliver an extraordinary gaming experience, one that could significantly impact its fiscal performance for the coming years. In fact, Take-Two expects continued growth in Net Bookings for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027, with GTA VI serving as a major driving force behind this optimism.
This eagerly awaited title is part of a stellar lineup for Take-Two in 2025, which also includes the next main installments of Civilization, Mafia, and Borderlands 4, as well as Judas, a long-anticipated game from Ken Levine. Yet, despite the impressive roster, all eyes are firmly on GTA VI. This latest addition to Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto franchise is not just critical for Take-Two’s financial success—it’s also poised to play a pivotal role in Sony’s strategy for its upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro console.
The hype surrounding GTA VI cannot be overstated. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, is one of the most successful games in history, selling over 200 million copies worldwide. Though Minecraft technically holds the title for the best-selling game, several factors give GTA V a unique edge: it was released two years after Minecraft, costs more, and appeals to a more mature audience. Rockstar’s reputation for creating groundbreaking games, further cemented by titles like Red Dead Redemption, has helped them maintain a devoted fanbase.
Since GTA V launched in 2013 and Red Dead Redemption 2 hit the shelves in 2018, fans have been waiting for Rockstar’s next big release. When the first trailer for GTA VI dropped, it shattered YouTube viewership records, a testament to the immense anticipation surrounding the game.
One of the reasons Rockstar Games stands out is its ability to push the boundaries of the open-world genre. Grand Theft Auto III, released during the PlayStation 2 era, set the standard for open-world gaming, and Rockstar has continued to innovate with each release. Red Dead Redemption 2, for instance, is still considered unmatched in many aspects, even when compared to more recent open-world titles.
However, Rockstar’s quest for perfection often comes with challenges, especially in terms of performance. By pushing the available hardware to its limits, their games tend to struggle with smooth performance, and GTA VI will likely follow suit. Gamers seeking the best experience may need top-tier hardware to fully enjoy the game’s visual and technical advancements.
In the case of Red Dead Redemption 2, the Xbox One X provided a superior gaming experience, offering better resolution and frame rate stability compared to the PlayStation 4 Pro. However, this time around, Microsoft seems to be focusing on the next console generation, foregoing a mid-gen upgrade. Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 Pro is set to offer the best possible console experience for GTA VI.
Although the PC version of GTA VI is unlikely to be released until well after the console debut—likely about 18 months later—the PlayStation 5 Pro will be the go-to option for early adopters. While Sony’s $700 console may not guarantee 60 frames per second gameplay, it is expected to deliver a performance mode that hovers around 40-45 FPS, utilizing variable refresh rate (VRR) technology to offer a smoother experience than traditional 30 FPS gameplay.
The PS5 Pro, with its premium pricing, is likely to remain a niche product. However, for those seeking the ultimate experience with games like GTA VI, the investment will be worth it. Sony is well aware of the potential here and will likely capitalize on the game’s release by offering a special PlayStation 5 Pro bundle featuring GTA VI, further boosting both the console’s sales and the game’s exposure.
As Rockstar continues its legacy of innovation, GTA VI is shaping up to be a monumental release, not just for fans of the series, but for the entire gaming industry. With cutting-edge open-world gameplay, an evolving narrative, and Rockstar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology, GTA VI is well on its way to becoming another cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re planning to play on the upcoming PS5 Pro or waiting for the eventual PC release, one thing is certain: 2025 is going to be a big year for gaming.
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