Grand Theft Auto fans waiting for GTA 6 on PC may face a longer wait. The version may not arrive before 2027, according to analysis. Former technical director of Rockstar Games, Obbe Vermeij, points out that delay is possible. This situation prolongs the expectations of players who do not have 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. The wait until 2027 would be considered quite long by the most eager fans.
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In a post, Vermeij, who worked on GTA 4, suggested that the PC game could be released up to two years after the arrival of the console versions, expected in 2025. He emphasized that despite not having inside information on current development of GTA 6, this prediction is based on Rockstar's previous practices.
Staggered launch benefits Rockstar
Just as happened with “GTA V”, the next title in the franchise should follow a staggered release model. This format, in which the game is released first for consoles, and only later reaches the PC, brings some logistical and development advantages for Rockstar. According to Vermeij, releasing the game on different platforms at the same time can increase the complexity of the process, especially considering the variety of computer hardware configurations.
This break allows the development team to focus on each platform individually, fixing potential glitches and ensuring an optimized experience for the player. In the case of PC, the adaptation involves more than gameplay adjustments. Mouse controls, extra options, and the diversity of personal computer configurations make simultaneous launch risky.
PC version could be more polished
Historically, the PC version of Rockstar games has suffered from more technical issues compared to the console versions. This happens due to the huge variety of hardware and software components available on personal computers, which makes the testing and optimization process difficult. According to the company's former technical director, launching the game for PC right after consoles could risk the title's reputation, with criticism related to bugs and failures, which would also end up impacting the console versions.
For this reason, the studio tends to prioritize consoles and, only after rigorous adjustments and testing, is the PC version released. “The PC version tends to have a lot of technical problems because of all the different configurations” , explained Vermeij, highlighting the importance of not rushing the launch to avoid future problems.
Background with GTA V and expectations for GTA VI
This strategy is not new for Rockstar. With “GTA V”, the interval between the launch for consoles and the arrival on PC was 18 months. Even though this was considered a long wait, the success of the computer version of the game proves that Rockstar's approach works in terms of quality and sales. For “GTA VI”, the interval is expected to be shorter, but the 2027 forecast is still being treated as a real possibility, frustrating many players.
The release of GTA 6 for PS5 and Xbox Series S|X is scheduled for 2025, being one of the most anticipated titles by fans of open world games. The PC gaming community, despite being anxious, seems to be ready for a long wait.
Although expectations for the launch are high, Rockstar's staggered launch strategy aims to ensure the final quality of the product. By focusing on consoles first, the company hopes to deliver a more polished experience for PC gamers, even if it means a waiting period of up to two years.
