Grand Theft Auto fans awaiting GTA 6 for PC may face a longer wait. The PC version may not arrive before 2027, according to an analysis. Former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij points out that a delay is possible. This situation prolongs the wait for players who don't own consoles, frustrating many. Console releases usually come first, which is an industry standard. This puts PC players at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing the game. A wait until 2027 would be considered quite long by the most eager fans.
- Game Freak leak reveals previously unseen Pokémon details
- One Piece: Anime announces hiatus until 2025
In a post, Vermeij, who worked on GTA 4, suggested that the PC game could be released up to two years after the console versions arrive, expected in 2025. He emphasized that, although he does not have inside information about the current development of GTA 6, this prediction is based on previous Rockstar practices.
Staggered release benefits Rockstar
As with "GTA V," the next title in the franchise is expected to follow a staggered release model. This format, in which the game is released first on consoles and only later on PC, offers Rockstar some logistical and development advantages. According to Vermeij, releasing the game on different platforms simultaneously can increase the complexity of the process, especially considering the variety of computer hardware configurations.
This timeframe allows the development team to focus on each platform individually, addressing potential bugs and ensuring an optimized player experience. For PC, adaptation involves more than just gameplay tweaks. Mouse controls, additional options, and the diverse configurations of personal computers make a simultaneous release risky.
PC version could be more polished
Historically, the PC versions of Rockstar games have suffered from more technical issues than the console versions. This is due to the wide variety of hardware and software components available on personal computers, which complicates the testing and optimization process. According to the company's former technical director, releasing the game on PC so soon after the console versions could jeopardize the title's reputation, with criticism related to bugs and glitches that would ultimately impact the console versions as well.
For this reason, the studio tends to prioritize consoles, and only after rigorous tweaking and testing is the PC version released. "The PC version tends to have a lot of technical issues because of all the different configurations ," Vermeij explained, emphasizing the importance of not rushing the release to avoid future disruptions.
Background on GTA V and expectations for GTA VI
This strategy isn't new for Rockstar. With "GTA V," the gap between the console release and the PC release was 18 months. While this was considered a long wait, the success of the PC version of the game proves that Rockstar's approach works in terms of quality and sales. For "GTA VI," the gap is expected to be shorter, but the 2027 forecast is still being considered a real possibility, frustrating many players.
GTA 6 is scheduled for release on PS5 and Xbox Series S|X in 2025, making it one of the most anticipated titles among open-world game fans. The PC gaming community, while eager, seems prepared for a long wait.
Although anticipation for the launch is high, Rockstar's staggered release strategy aims to ensure the final product's quality. By focusing on consoles first, the company hopes to deliver a more polished experience for PC gamers, even if it means a wait of up to two years.
