GTA 6 Breaks A Record, And It’s Not Even Out Yet

Rockstar's GTA 6 is expected to be an enormous, unprecedented success when it releases on November 19, and new data only backs that up further.

Circana has released new data that shows that GTA 6 holds 29% purchase intent among US console and PC gamers. That means nearly 1 in 3 console and PC gamers in the US plan to buy GTA 6--this is the highest purchase intent that Circana has ever measured for any game.

Circana's Mat Piscatella said GTA 6 is a "rare cultural and commercial moment" for gaming, and the demand is fueled by the 13-year gap between GTA 5 and GTA 6. "Demand is expected to extend beyond software sales to include consoles, accessories, and gaming subscriptions as consumers prepare for launch," he said.

GTA 6 is launching just before Black Friday and the start of the holiday shopping season, and Piscatella said he expects the game's release could drive more sales for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

“Its anticipation and popularity reinforces the growing influence of video games on the broader entertainment and consumer technology markets," Piscatella said.

While Circana's study covered purchase intent for console and PC users, the game is confirmed so far only for console. A PC edition, however, is expected in early 2027.

According to Sensor Tower, GTA 6 has already sold about 7 million units, driving $675 million in revenue. The company believes GTA 6 could hit 25 million preorders and $2 billion in revenue before the game even releases.

GTA 6 may indeed be a gigantic hit commercially, and one that helps lift the entire industry with increased sales of hardware and accessories. But anyone looking to buy a new console to play GTA 6 is set for major sticker shock, as consoles today are more expensive than ever. Not only this, but GTA 6 is not going to save the industry's many serious and deep-rooted issues, experts believe.

In other GTA 6 news, the game's file size has been revealed, and wouldn't you know it, it's massive. Preloading begins on November 12.